Amid passenger grumbles, THSR lowers volume on 'quiet train' enforcement

Taipei, Oct. 14 (CNA) Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) said Monday it was still committed to making all carriages on its trains "quiet" but that it had adjusted its enforcement approach following complaints it was unfriendly toward children.

The company said it replaced seat pocket cards that read "quiet space," and stopped sending staff to tell passengers to keep quiet starting Sunday.

New seat cards now feature graphics reminding passengers to use headphones, make phone calls in the vestibule, and keep conversations at a low volume.

THSR reiterated that the policy, launched on Sept. 22, targets passengers who disregard these rules rather than children.

It added that it would continue promoting the rules, citing a recent survey showing "broad support" from passengers.

THSR's new policy has drawn criticism after being perceived as pressuring families to keep their children quiet.

One social media post recounted an incident in which a mother traveling with two young children was shown a sign by staff asking her to lower the children's voices.

At a Tuesday press conference, New Power Party Chairwoman Claire Wang (王婉諭) said THSR's policy should emphasize good manners when using electronic devices instead of quietness.

Taiwan Statebuilding Party's Wu Hsin-tai (吳欣岱) added that if THSR insists on enforcing the policy, it should designate certain cars instead of the whole train as quiet zones while also fostering a child-friendly atmosphere.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Shih Chung-liang (石崇良) said Monday that the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) is seeking a "more flexible solution" with other agencies within a month.

As the authority overseeing the Child and Juvenile Welfare and Rights Protection Act, Shih said the MOHW does not oppose the policy but urged the company to consider child-friendliness in its implementation.