What is it Like to Be a Train Driver? - The Railway Romances Ep4

Reporter/Provider - TaiwanPlus
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How do train drivers maintain composure and drive safely to prevent accidents? Find out how crashes affect drivers and learn whether you’ve got what it takes to become a professional train engineer. Driving a steam train across Taiwan’s countryside brings a sense of accomplishment, as many fans gather to admire and photograph the magnificent sight for themselves. However, driving a train is not always as glamorous as it appears. Being an onlooking fan and actually sitting in the driver’s seat are two very different experiences, as professional drivers face stress and the heavy responsibility of delivering their passengers safely to their destinations. Perhaps surprisingly, train driving in Taiwan was an exclusively male profession until 2012, when Taiwan Railways hired its first female driver. Driver Chiu Chien-fang faced adversity when she first entered the workplace, as many facilities were not designed with the needs of female drivers in mind. Her male coworkers also experienced new pressures when adjusting to women entering their workplace for the first time. However, female drivers like Chiu paved the way for other Taiwanese women to pursue their dreams of becoming professional train drivers. Driver Chen Ying-liang pilots trains on the Neiwan branch line, a line popular among local tourists. He and other drivers share their advice on how to handle the stress and monotony of train driving. For many, this means focusing on the driver’s mission: to provide a comfortable and safe experience for passengers. It is the dedication of these drivers that continue to make travel on Taiwan’s railroads such a precious and memorable experience for so many.

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The Railway Romances

This six-episode series introduces unique aspects of the Taiwanese railway. Jump aboard as host Andrew Chau reveals the often-overlooked romance of Taiwan’s railroad. From the beauty of the Western Trunk line to the famous TRA bentos, uncover some hidden railway secrets right here.