Free bus hits woman crossing street in Taoyuan; company fined NT$70,000

A woman in Taoyuan, Taiwan, is in serious condition after a free bus struck her while she was crossing the street on a marked pedestrian crossing. Surveillance footage captured the shocking moment, showing the bus driver failing to yield and instead accelerating through the intersection before hitting the pedestrian.

The victim, identified as Ms. Hsueh, was reportedly using an umbrella when the incident occurred. Her family has accused the driver of "continuously accelerating" until the collision. Online commenters have also voiced concerns, citing previous incidents of aggressive driving by buses on the same route.

Taoyuan City's Department of Transportation has stated that the bus company, Jin Yang Tong Yun Co., Ltd., will be fined NT$70,000 for violating transportation regulations. The department has also ordered a comprehensive review of the company's accident investigation and improvement measures. Authorities emphasized their commitment to ensuring public safety and improving driver awareness and adherence to traffic laws, particularly regarding pedestrian right-of-way at intersections.

Police confirmed the bus driver, Mr. Cheng, had a blood alcohol level of zero. The investigation into the exact cause and responsibility for the accident is ongoing. The incident has reignited discussions about pedestrian safety and the conduct of public transport operators in the city.

“

continuously accelerating