【Epoch Times News November 5, 2024】(
Continued from previous article
)
Arriving at a new place, the most immediate feeling is whether the public facilities are advanced or backward, clean or messy, well-organized or poorly managed. This is a hard indicator from which it is not difficult to see the level of development of society, the basic education of citizens, and the efficiency of government operations.
During my short stay in Taiwan, I was amazed by the development of public facilities: not only can they easily rank among the “first world,” but in many aspects, they have surpassed many major cities in the United States.
First, let’s talk about the cleanliness in Taiwan. From landing in Taoyuan to boarding my return flight, what left the deepest impression on me during the two-week journey was: “Taiwan is so clean!” From the airport to the metro stations, from main roads to alleys, from luxury shopping malls to local markets, from government buildings to schools, from national parks to mountain attractions, from high-end restaurants to street food stalls, regardless of the level or size, everywhere is clean, tidy, and pleasing to the eye.
Ironically, the restrooms in Taiwan left a lasting impression on me. Restrooms are often a weak point in municipal management, reflecting the level of management of public facilities. While many public restrooms in the United States are clean, there are still often places that are unpleasant and difficult to use. Taiwan’s restrooms are unbelievably clean, and I have never encountered one that made me feel uncomfortable. Even the restrooms are managed so well, showing that cleanliness here has no blind spots.
Moving on to public transportation in Taiwan. The metro and high-speed rail in Taiwan are well-known worldwide, and I have experienced it firsthand. Firstly, their hardware facilities are top-notch. Whether it’s the station buildings or the train carriages, everything looks brand new and spacious. In the densely populated Taipei City, the metro stations appear particularly spacious.
Secondly, their operation and management are also top-notch, especially the EasyCard. Introduced 22 years ago, the EasyCard has become Taiwan’s national card, used not only by all citizens but also by every visitor to Taiwan. With over 100 million cards issued, it is not only valid for the railway, metro, and buses but also for convenience stores, gas stations, and more, making recharging extremely convenient. During my visit, a special National Day commemorative card was introduced, including it in the gifts our visiting group received. Its design is simple and beautiful, and I have been reluctant to open it for use.
Thirdly, every detail is designed to be practical and user-friendly, highlighting “safety first.” There are protective walls near the platform edge next to the tracks, queue markings on the ground near the train doors, allowing passengers to alight easily from the center. The metro carriages heading to the airport are exceptionally spacious, with large seat spacings for passengers to place their luggage.
Moreover, many large stations undergo comprehensive development. Since stations are always bustling with activity and business opportunities, many metro stations serve as integrated shopping malls offering shopping, dining, and services, making it convenient for people to consume and increasing employment and revenue.
The management of bus stops is very strict, with service personnel being friendly but meticulous in enforcing regulations. This brings me to two embarrassing incidents I experienced at the Xinbeitou Metro Station.
While waiting for the train and admiring the beautiful view of Yangmingshan from the platform, I unconsciously leaned against the low protective wall. My arms were just resting on the wall when a security guard walked over and told me I couldn’t lean on it. I apologized and moved away to sit down and wait for the train. Out of habit, I took a sip of water from my bag. The security guard came over politely again, saying eating or drinking is not allowed in the metro station. I apologized repeatedly and then noticed the sign saying “No eating or drinking” posted inside.
Another day while waiting for the train, my wife gave me a piece of chewing gum, which I casually put in my mouth. After chewing it for a while, I saw the same security guard coming again, probably recognizing me by now. I tried to justify, saying it was just gum, but he insisted it’s not allowed. I had to awkwardly spit it out and dispose of it.
Despite the embarrassment, upon reflection, I still prefer this management style. Strict management naturally restricts certain freedoms and inconveniences some people, which is a negative experience for them. However, if management is relaxed to cater to everyone’s convenience, the result is a negative experience for everyone.
Eating is not restricted on the high-speed train, which allowed me to savor an authentic “Taiwan Railway Bento” experience. Surprisingly, there was a dedicated staff member collecting food waste on the train multiple times, which was another pleasant surprise.
One incident that surprised me was on my first day walking the streets of Taipei. I quickly noticed a problem: there were no trash cans. Holding the leftover food packaging in my hand, I couldn’t help but smile wryly. Without trash cans, the opportunity to produce garbage is reduced, but this still relies on the self-awareness of citizens and the work of sanitation workers.
I indeed did not see any litter on the streets of Taipei, and even in Kaohsiung, which was hit by Typhoon Mountain, I only saw a piece of paper on the ground when exiting the metro station, prompting my local companions to apologize repeatedly. This also confirms the common habit of Taiwanese people to maintain cleanliness in the city.
After living in the United States for a long time, it is easy to become careless and whimsical, which may not necessarily be a good thing. When in Taiwan, it is important to remember to “do as the Romans do,” maintain environmental cleanliness, and not become an external “source of pollution.”
(To be continued)