Ministry of Transportation Debunks Rumors of 5 Major Free Privileges for Seniors on Railways as AI-Generated Fake News

(CNA, Taipei, April 13) The Ministry of Transportation stated today that videos and messages recently circulating on social media claiming that seniors have five major free measures when taking the railways are fictional fake news generated by AI technology. The public is urged not to be deceived or spread the misinformation. Recently, social media and YouTube channels like 'Silver Age Living' and 'Elderly Guide' have been circulating videos and messages about five major free privileges for seniors on Taiwan Railways and High-Speed Rail starting in 2026, as well as new policies in October. The Ministry of Transportation issued a press release today stating that such videos do not cite any official information and are, in fact, farm content mass-produced using AI templates. They deliberately use inflammatory language such as 'fight for it bravely' and 'service personnel will never tell you if you don't ask,' which could create conflict between elderly passengers and station staff and disrupt public transport order. The Ministry strongly condemns this malicious behavior. The Ministry stated that there are currently no free upgrades or free privileges for companions. Online rumors such as 'free upgrade to premium cars,' 'accompanying an elder with a free ticket,' and 'NT$1,500 subsidy for High-Speed Rail holidays' are all malicious fabrications. Furthermore, the Ministry said that according to the Senior Citizens Welfare Act, citizens aged 65 and over can enjoy a half-price discount when taking the railways. Currently, the 'Senior Card' fare deduction is only applicable to Taiwan Railways and is subject to subsidy limits from local governments; there is no 'unlimited credit' as rumored. The High-Speed Rail does not yet offer a Senior Card fare deduction service, and the card cannot be linked to or import credit card reward points from family members. The Ministry pointed out that the seat matching service for reserved trains is currently available to Taiwan Railways Gold members and above, and is not an exclusive privilege for seniors based on age. The Ministry said that the railways have not set up physical 'exclusive green channels,' nor are there 'free VIP lounges for seniors' or double-decker train designs. Elderly and mobility-impaired passengers in need can go to the station service desk or accessible window for assistance, and both railways will activate a caring service mechanism where station staff will assist with boarding and alighting. Rumors of 'free round-trip shuttle from the station to the destination' and 'electric vehicle platform shuttle service' are fictitious, the Ministry stated. Additionally, currently only the High-Speed Rail and Taiwan Railways' EMU3000 series trains are equipped with AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators), and no train cars are equipped with oxygen tanks. The Ministry also noted that passengers with concession tickets (including senior tickets) have standard luggage allowance limits. If luggage is shipped as a parcel, it is charged at 50% of the standard rate, with no so-called 'exclusive senior rate.' The Ministry emphasized that all the latest services, promotional measures, and fare regulations from the government and the two railway companies will be announced on their official websites immediately. If you receive videos about various benefits or policies from unknown sources, please be sure to check the official websites of the Ministry of Transportation, Taiwan Railways, or Taiwan High-Speed Rail to confirm. (Editor: Wu Su-jou) 1150413