Taxi drivers in Taipei have been struggling recently after a violation point system was put in place in June, leaving many drivers afraid of getting points on their records. However, this may be set to change soon.
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A traffic violation points system put in place in Taipei in June is affecting taxi drivers across the city. Many have been given violation points for stopping along red lines to let passengers alight from their vehicles.
One driver says it's impossible to pick up and drop off passengers because there are red lines everywhere. Another says that someone photographed and reported him when a customer was getting out of his car, and he received one violation point. He says he is scared to receive any more and that it’s really difficult to find a place to drop off his passengers.
Lee Wei-er (李威爾) spokesperson from the Taipei Taxi Drivers Union says that since the system’s implementation, hundreds of drivers have received more than six violation points and some have even had their licences suspended.
Transportation Minister Wang Kuo-tsai (王國材) has reached three initial agreements with the taxi union to address concerns. Including marking yellow lines every 100-150 meters on roads, allowing drivers to pick up and drop off passengers. The point system will also be temporarily suspended until the yellow lines are completed. Citizens will also need to provide video evidence when reporting drivers, and penalties will only be imposed if the violation genuinely affects traffic safety.
Nevertheless, the exact date for implementing the three agreements is yet to be determined, and discussions are ongoing.