TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Shin-Shin Bus Co. Chair Fan Ta-wei (范大維) resigned and apologized at a press conference Sunday after one of the company’s drivers struck and killed a doctor in Taipei.
Chou Chia-cheng (周佳正), the 60-year-old head of Taoyuan General Hospital's breast surgery department, was fatally hit by a bus while crossing the street on Saturday morning, per CNA. Fan said the crash occurred because the driver failed to stop and perform mandatory safety measures before turning left from Roosevelt Road onto Aiguo West Road.
The driver, surnamed Lee (李), is 63 years old with nearly 20 years of experience. Although he had no prior traffic violations, Fan said he had been cited once or twice for missing designated stops.
Surveillance footage showed the driver was not speeding or turning illegally, and fatigue was not a factor. Fan said the main error was failing to conduct a “point-and-call” safety check, which requires using a finger to scan left to right before proceeding at crosswalks or turns.
He noted that vehicle design features like the A-pillar can create blind spots, which is why drivers are trained to stop and visually confirm pedestrian zones. Despite long-standing protocols, Fan expressed regret that shortcuts still occur.
Shin-Shin Bus said it employs 485 drivers, including four over 65 and 49 between ages 60 and 65. The driver involved retired in March but was rehired in May.
The Taipei City Public Transportation Office is reviewing the driver’s work history and schedule as part of its investigation. Because the collision occurred at a crosswalk, the case falls under Article 77, Paragraph 1 of the Highway Act, which carries a maximum fine of NT$90,000 (US$3,000) for the bus company.
