A tour bus drivers’ union has held a protest against media reports suggesting that Taiwan’s tour buses do not meet maximum safety standards.
The media reports come after a deadly bus fire in July that killed 24 Chinese tourists. The reports say that tour buses are built in Taiwan by piecing together a variety of parts. On Monday, tour bus drivers protested outside the transportation ministry, saying that officials have failed to protect bus drivers’ reputation.
One union leader said that the investigation into the accident has not yet determined whether the accident in July had anything to do with the bus itself. But the union leader said that the transportation ministry has launched a nationwide investigation into bus safety, imposing fines and adding to a loss of dignity bus drivers have felt since the accident.
The bus drivers’ union issued twelve demands, including the cancellation of fines issued after July 19 for problems with emergency exits and a return to the old system of periodic safety inspections. The drivers say they may extend their protest if the government does not respond to their demands.
The transportation ministry says it has conducted random safety tests since before July’s accident, and that the accident has not brought about an increase in checks.
Investigators have not yet determined whether the bus itself caused or contributed to the accident, but they have found that the bus driver was driving under the influence of alcohol at the time.