Man Crosses Tracks by Jumping from Platform, Faces Fine up to NT$50,000: Railway Police

(CNA, by reporter Kuan Jui-ping, Miaoli County, May 20) A man was recently filmed illegally crossing the railway tracks at Taiwan Railways' Miaoli Station. The Railway Police Bureau stated today that after an investigation, it was found the man jumped off a platform to cross the tracks to another platform for convenience. He will be penalized according to the law, with a maximum fine of NT$50,000. A netizen posted on the Facebook fan page 'Let's Talk Railways,' sharing a video showing an elderly man climbing onto Platform 1 after crossing the tracks at TRA Miaoli Station around noon on the 19th. TRA station staff quickly approached him to inquire. A passenger exclaimed it was too dangerous and 'outrageous,' believing such an act not only puts oneself in danger but could also force the train driver to make an emergency stop, endangering other passengers. The Taichung Branch of the Railway Police Bureau explained in a written statement today that their investigation revealed the man, surnamed Chen (around 66 years old), jumped from Platform 2 at TRA Miaoli Station and crossed directly over the tracks to Platform 1 for convenience. Police found that the man lives in New Taipei City but is registered in Chiayi, and had no money or ticket. His act of crossing the tracks violates Article 70, Paragraph 1 of the Railway Act, which is punishable by a fine between NT$10,000 and NT$50,000. The case is being handled according to the Railway Act and will be referred to the Ministry of Transportation for the penalty decision. (Editor: Long, Pan-An) 1150520