Taipei Metro to bar gas masks, helmets, tactical attire

台北捷運將禁止攜帶防毒面具、頭盔和戰術服裝

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taipei Metro has updated its passenger rules to let staff deny rides to people whose attire is judged likely to cause security concerns.

The metro operator said passengers who, without a legitimate reason, wear items such as gas masks, filter respirators, helmets, face shields, or similar disguises and still refuse to change after being advised by station staff can be refused transport, per CNA.

Taipei Metro said the change has been added to its passenger attire guidance and posted on its website. If a person continues to ignore staff instructions, police may be asked to escort them out of the station, it said.

The operator also said it will notify police to document the issue if someone carries equipment such as breathing apparatuses or gas masks without a valid reason.

The policy follows a deadly Dec. 19 multiple stabbing incident that has prompted heightened security around Taipei Main Station and elsewhere around the country. Taipei Metro said the update is not aimed at cosplay or costumes, which will generally continue under existing rules, as long as outfits do not raise safety or public order concerns.