Sifang Passenger Transport in Taichung City reported today that the company’s unpaid drivers have collectively asked for leave. After coordination, it has gradually resumed in the evening and will be fully restored tomorrow.

(provided by the city)

[Reporter Su Jinfeng/Taichung Report] It is reported that Sifang Passenger Transport in Taichung City did not pay the salary normally in the middle of the month. As a result, 40% of the drivers collectively asked for leave this morning. The operators recalled drivers who were on group leave, and the evening shifts gradually resumed. The Transportation Bureau stated that the operators said that the wages that were not allocated will be paid out tomorrow, and all shifts will also resume.

Regarding Sifang Passenger Bus’s behavior of skipping shifts without authorization, the Transportation Bureau emphasized that it will impose a fine of 5,000 yuan for each missed shift through the automatic audit system according to the contract;

"Sifang Bus" has 13 bus routes in Taichung City. "Sifang Bus" with the right of way has 68 drivers. The Transportation Bureau stated that Sifang Bus will pay twice at the beginning of the month and the middle of the month. Not issued, causing drivers to "collectively ask for leave", and 40% of the 13 routes have abnormal bus schedules.

The Bureau of Transportation stated that after receiving the information and interviewing the senior management of passenger transport, the operator recalled the drivers one after another in the afternoon, and the evening shift gradually resumed. The operator also promised to pay wages tomorrow and ensure that the bus routes will resume normal operation.

Sifang Passenger Transport has obtained 13 right-of-way in Taichung City, namely Green 4, 68, 88, 242, 243, 245 and 248, 249, 352, 354, 355, 365, 922 and other routes.

The Transportation Bureau stated that in order to encourage operators to use electric buses, Taichung City has formulated the most favorable operating subsidy system in the country. In addition to receiving a subsidy of 30 yuan per kilometer for routes that use all-electric buses, there is also a full-ticket subsidy of 10 yuan for passenger trips. 5 yuan and half ticket 5 yuan, so you can get a maximum of 52.75 yuan per car per kilometer, and the 30 yuan per car per kilometer subsidy is allocated every other month.

The Bureau of Transportation emphasized that there are currently 9 electric bus operators in Taichung City. The Sifang Company stated that the abnormal frequency due to the subsidy rate issue is a problem of individual company's operating capital scheduling, and sternly refute the relevant false claims.

The Bureau of Transportation pointed out that according to the relevant regulations, the payment was originally allocated in two installments (mid-year and end-of-year) each year. The Bureau of Transportation is sympathetic to the impact of the epidemic on various industries and considering the capital scheduling needs of various industries. Since last year, it has pre-allocated the loss subsidy in three installments. This year, the pre-appropriation was earlier than last year. The first pre-appropriation funds have been transferred to the accounts of various businesses this week to help the businesses tide over the difficulties and continue to provide high-quality public transportation services.