TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Tainan’s Bureau of Education announced Monday that it has secured over NT$1 billion (US$34 million) in recent years to enhance pedestrian walkways at 97 schools.
The announcement followed a press conference by the Jing Chuan Child Safety Foundation, which raised concerns over the insufficient improvements made to school zones. It pointed out Tainan's poor performance in recent spot checks, per CNA.
The foundation conducted a spot check last December on 19 schools across Taiwan’s six major cities. All schools failed to meet the passing score of 60, with an average score of 33.79.
Tainan recorded the lowest average score of 31.33 among the cities, with the South District’s Rihsin Elementary School receiving the lowest individual score. Principal Hsu Chun-hsiung (徐俊雄) noted that the school had completed improvements to its pedestrian paths in 2024, adding pedestrian signals at the school gate, increasing traffic guidance volunteers, and creating a parent drop-off zone to improve student safety.
In response, the BOE said it would invite relevant agencies to conduct further inspections and discuss additional measures for improving traffic environments around schools. The bureau emphasized that improving commuting safety for students is a priority policy, and it reviews and implements improvements, such as adding signs, markings, and traffic lights annually.
From 2017 to 2023, Tainan applied for over NT$830 million in central government funding for 74 schools. It has secured more than NT$300 million for 23 additional schools through collaborations with district offices and the Public Works Bureau.
In addition to physical upgrades, the bureau has adjusted traffic markings, relocated obstacles, assisted with traffic direction, and cracked down on illegal parking. Ninety-three schools received traffic environment improvements in 2024.
