Too many passengers crowd the first stop — “Taichung BRT” implements crowd control

▲ Usage of the Taichung BRT is gradually rising. (Photo / Reporter Xu Wenbin)

Reporter Cai Wenjun / Comprehensive report

The Taichung BRT is becoming increasingly popular, especially at Taichung Railway Station, which sees the highest passenger volume. Often, too many people board at the station, preventing passengers at subsequent stops from getting on. Therefore, in addition to increasing service frequency, the BRT has decided to implement crowd management at the railway station to enhance passenger comfort and ensure smooth boarding for travelers at other stops.

The ridership of the Taichung BRT has been steadily increasing. During the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, large crowds filled every bus. On the 8th, BRT spokesperson Tsai Yidao stated that currently, the BRT Blue Line operates one bus every six minutes on holidays. However, due to the overwhelming number of passengers, an additional 30 to 40 fixed services will be added between 12 noon and 7 pm on holidays. The busiest period is between 5 pm and 6 pm, with buses running approximately every 4 to 5 minutes, aiming to quickly alleviate the waiting crowds.

However, long queues of people waiting for the BRT form in front of Taichung Railway Station during holidays, and almost every bus is packed, making it difficult for passengers at subsequent stops to board. Currently, the BRT company is considering hiring security personnel or professional service staff to manage the number of passengers boarding at the site starting next week, ensuring that passengers at all stops along the route can get on and off smoothly.

In addition, BRT drivers often get off the bus to assist wheelchair users. They pull out the electric side panel from the middle door, help the wheelchair passenger board, then retract the panel and continue driving. Tsai Yidao explained that every driver receives training on operating the side panels for wheelchair boarding. Some more skilled drivers go further — upon seeing a wheelchair user, they deliberately drive very close to the platform so the passenger can board without using the side panel. This thoughtful service also deeply moves other passengers on the bus.