Taiwan High Speed Rail Defends Quiet Carriage Policy Amid Criticism

A senior official from the Taiwan High Speed Rail Corp (THSRC) has defended the newly implemented “quiet carriage” policy, which took effect on September 22, 2023. The policy aims to address disruptive behavior among passengers, specifically those making loud phone calls or using electronic devices without headphones. This clarification comes after criticism suggesting that the policy unfairly targets families with children.

During a public discussion, Shen Hui-hung, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, stated that the policy is not aimed at children but rather at controlling disruptive behaviors that can impact the comfort of fellow passengers. In a Facebook post, she emphasized, “Infants, young children and passengers with medical conditions affecting autonomy would continue to receive care and understanding from staff.” This statement was made in response to concerns raised on social media regarding the policy’s perceived impact on families traveling with young children.

The backlash included an account of a mother with two young children who allegedly faced a request from staff to quiet her children. Shen responded by sharing her own experiences on the train, noting that children generally were not disruptive and that passengers with pets were accommodated without issues. She reiterated that the policy is rooted in the principle of “mutual respect,” focusing on behaviors that can be controlled by adults rather than unavoidable noises from infants or those with medical needs.

The discussion surrounding the policy has drawn varied reactions. Su Yi-ning, an obstetrician, expressed his concerns about the implications of such policies. In a recent social media post, he argued that true “quietness” should not come from suppression but from understanding. He stated, “If a society cannot tolerate the next generation’s cry, then there would be no next generation,” highlighting the importance of empathy towards parents and children in public spaces.

Su’s remarks followed a social media user’s account of a frustrating encounter with a child who was crying during a THSR ride from Tainan to Taipei. The user described how he had endured several minutes of noise before voicing his frustration, which escalated into an argument with the child’s mother and a trolley staff member. He criticized noisy children and their parents, referring to them in derogatory terms and invoking the “survival of the fittest” principle to justify his irritation.

In response to this sentiment, Su emphasized that children do not intentionally create noise to disturb others; rather, they often struggle to manage their emotions. “The quietness of the policy was never intended to be achieved through suppression, but through everyone being willing to take a step back and understand that parents are also making an effort,” he stated.

He further articulated that when children are noisy, their parents may also be experiencing stress, an aspect often overlooked by other passengers. Su denounced “child-hating” comments, which he believes are an extension of broader societal discrimination. He insisted that the essence of civilization lies not in silencing the vulnerable but in fostering kindness among the strong.

Ultimately, the debate over the THSRC’s quiet carriage policy raises significant questions about societal attitudes towards children in shared public spaces. As families navigate the complexities of travel, the challenge remains to create environments that balance the needs of all passengers while fostering understanding and respect.