Passengers frequently reserve tickets but don’t pick them up; Taiwan Railways: Suspend privileges for over half a year after 3 offenses

▲ Passengers scramble for Puyuma train seats, creating a situation where tickets are nearly impossible to get. (Photo / Reporter Yu Ruru)

Reporter Cai Wenjun / Comprehensive report

Taiwan Railways’ Puyuma trains are in extremely high demand. Even after multiple service increases, many people still can’t get tickets. The reason? It turns out that many often fear not getting tickets, so they team up with friends and family to book together—but fail to cancel the extra bookings in time. In response, Taiwan Railways has announced changes to its suspension policy, which are expected to be officially announced next week.

Taiwan Railways stated that the original suspension rule was to ban passengers who failed to pick up tickets five times within six months from booking for three months. However, since the electrification of the East Coast railway line and the launch of the Puyuma trains, instances of “reserved but not picked up” have become common, leading to empty seats going to waste and many passengers who truly need the trains being unable to get a ride. Therefore, the railway has decided to revise the suspension regulations, with an official announcement expected next week.