Taipei Main Station to hold safety drill on Thursday

台北車站將於週四舉行危安演習

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taipei Main Station will host a large-scale safety drill on Thursday, with Taiwan High Speed Rail participating in what authorities described as a high-intensity exercise simulating an attack on the public, per a press release.

THSR said the drill will take place from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and will involve additional station staff and security personnel. Travel operations will not be disrupted, and Taipei Main Station will maintain normal passenger entry and exit during the exercise.

Ticket sales will be unaffected, and all trains are scheduled to depart as usual. However, because the exercise area is near the station’s B3 level, additional personnel will be deployed to guide passengers.

Travelers transferring to Taiwan Railways or the Taipei Metro are advised to allow extra time for connections.

THSR said the drill is intended to strengthen safety measures following a deadly attack on Dec. 19, when a 27-year-old man surnamed Chang (張) threw smoke bombs and attacked passengers with a knife, killing four people.

The railway operator said the exercise is part of ongoing efforts to enhance operational safety through joint drills with central and local governments as well as railway industry partners. In response to various threats, THSR has required staff to remain vigilant and has reinforced security measures.

THSR added that train conductors and service staff receive self-defense training before going on duty. Each carriage is equipped with a passenger emergency intercom button, allowing passengers to contact the train conductor in the event of an emergency.

The railway operator said security personnel have been deployed at all stations and on trains. During peak hours, it said security coverage on all trains has been increased to 100%, with overall coverage to be further expanded to enhance passenger safety.