Taiwan Bus Driver's Outburst: Teenager's Movement Sparks Heated Confrontation

A Tainan bus driver's reaction to a high school student's early movement causes outrage and prompts official review.

A recent incident involving a Tainan city bus driver and a student from National Tainan First Senior High School (南一中) has ignited discussion about driver conduct and passenger safety in Taiwan. The situation, brought to light through a complaint on Mayor Huang Weizhe's (黃偉哲) Facebook page, shows a driver berating a student who moved towards the exit before the bus had completely stopped.

The incident, captured on video, reveals the student approaching the front doors as the bus neared the stop. The driver initially admonished the student, but the student continued toward the exit. This escalated the situation, with the driver stopping the bus for over ten minutes and loudly reprimanding the student, even demanding the student come to the driver's seat. The driver is heard saying things such as "Don't move!" and "You are affecting my work." The student quietly stated they were just moving after hearing the announcement of a stop. The driver then pointed to a sign and demanded the student to sit back down and buckle the seat belt.

This event has triggered further scrutiny. Some members of the public have raised concerns about the driver's emotional control, with some reporting similar incidents involving the same driver. The Tainan Public Transportation Office (公運處) responded by acknowledging the need for improved communication and driver conduct. They have taken the driver off duty while they review the situation.