Councilor questions effectiveness of dangerous item signs on MRT｜Taiwan News

New signs have been put up in the Taipei MRT reminding passengers of the rules for carrying dangerous items. While some hazardous objects are banned outright, some sharp objects such as knives are permitted in the metro system, as long as they are securely packaged and sheathed. Failure to follow the rules can result in fines of up to NT$1 million. A Taipei City councilor, however, has cast doubt on whether the signs will be of any use in preventing stabbing incidents.
New signs have recently been put up on the Taipei MRT informing passengers about carry-on rules for hazardous items.
Passenger
I don’t feel any particular way about this. It’s just a warning sign, like the “No Smoking” sign.
Passenger
Sign or no sign, people might still carry dangerous items.
Passenger
I think taking the MRT is quite scary. The security staff can’t prevent things from happening.
The signs are a first for the MRT, which has been operating for 28 years. The posters warn passengers that sharp items or knives that are brought into the metro system must be securely packaged and sheathed. Violators can be fined up to NT$1 million.
According to police data, 16 incidents involving knives, and 9-knife related injuries have been reported on the Taipei MRT since a mass-stabbing incident in 2014 that left four people dead and 24 injured. There’s also been more than 10 cases in which MRT staff have been threatened or attacked. A Taipei councilor on Friday cast doubt on the effectiveness of the new signs.
Yen Juo-fang
Taipei City councilor (DPP)
I think it’s a bit questionable. Why not increase the number of security staff to keep passengers safe in the stations and in the trains?
The Taipei MRT says that inspections may be carried out by security personnel if they suspect a passenger is carrying a dangerous item. Refusal to cooperate can result in the passenger being denied transportation and the incident being reported to the police.
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[@moviesisaw]

The comment about having more staff instead of the signs is very silly. They do not have similar costs. Of course, signs must state the rules of usage for the MRT - this is exactly the same all around the world. The issue of banning knives is also tricky as people who purchase cutlery and culinary knives also need to make their home.