Ride-hailing platform Bolt to be fined in oversight case involving driver

Taipei, Jan. 30 (CNA) Ride-hailing platform Bolt will be subject to an NT$30,000 (US$954) administrative fine in a case involving one of its drivers, who recently left a passenger in the middle of the road leading to his death when he was struck by passing vehicles.

Hung Yu-min (洪瑜敏), an official with the Taipei Public Transportation Office, said Friday that Bolt failed to carry out proper checks on the driver surnamed Lin (林) and will be fined under the Highway Act.

Based on an investigation, Hung said that although Lin was working for Bolt, he had joined other fleets and was taking orders through multiple platforms, in violation of regulations governing the approval and operation of taxi services.

Under current regulations governing the approval and operation of taxi services, a vehicle can only work with one taxi service company for dispatch operations. Also, companies providing such services must first verify that any vehicle they accept has not been registered with another company.

Lin was operating a diversified taxi service, a government initiative in Taiwan that provides a legal income-generating opportunity for drivers who own their own vehicles. Often referred to as the "Taiwanese version of Uber," it allows passengers to book rides through online platforms and make payments electronically.

In addition, Hung said Lin could face a maximum fine of NT$7,200 for leaving a passenger in the middle of an expressway, in violation of the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act.

Hung added that authorities will notify all Bolt drivers and use the case in future training to remind them to prioritize passenger safety and handle unusual situations properly, avoiding refusal of service or leaving passengers stranded.

According to New Taipei police, the case occurred in the early hours of Sunday when 46-year-old driver Lin dropped off a passenger surnamed Wen (溫) in the middle of Provincial Highway No. 64 heading toward Banqiao District, following an alleged verbal altercation. Wen, aged 25, was later struck and killed by four passing vehicles.

It is currently unclear whether Lin instructed Wen to get out of the vehicle or if the latter exited of his own volition. Police at the time did not provide further details about the incident, but said Lin and the four drivers who struck Wen are being investigated for alleged negligent homicide.

The criminal case has been handed to the New Taipei Prosecutors Office.

On Friday, prosecutors and police said the investigation is ongoing and they are unable to provide further details at this time.

In a statement, Bolt said evidence related to the incident was secured by police immediately after it occurred and, as a platform, the company does not possess or control the vehicle's dashcam footage, which will be handled by the relevant authorities in accordance with the law.

Bolt said it immediately suspended Lin from taking rides on the platform, and further action will depend on the outcome of the judicial investigation.

The European ride-hailing company first launched its service in Taiwan last year.