Taoyuan City, Taiwan – October 22, 2025
A high school student was allegedly assaulted by a Taoyuan bus driver yesterday evening, leaving the student bleeding from the mouth and nose and igniting widespread public outrage. The incident occurred around 5:20 p.m. in Taoyuan District, with a passenger recording the altercation and posting it online.
According to reports, the student, surnamed Huang, had disembarked from the bus after allegedly having insufficient coins to pay the fare. Tensions escalated when Huang confronted the driver, surnamed Liu, to defend a classmate. The argument quickly turned physical, with Liu reportedly striking the student inside the bus, then continuing the assault outside, pinning him to the ground and repeatedly punching him despite the student’s visible injuries.
Several students on the bus witnessed the attack and shouted for help while calling authorities. Fire and police units responded promptly. Huang was taken to Taoyuan Hospital for treatment, while Liu also underwent a medical examination. Both parties filed complaints of assault against each other, and the case has been forwarded to the Taoyuan District Prosecutor’s Office.
In response, Taoyuan Bus suspended the driver pending investigation. The Taoyuan City Transportation Bureau and Education Bureau are reviewing the incident, emphasizing stricter oversight, driver education, and counseling for affected students. Local councilors condemned the act, calling for a thorough investigation and measures to prevent future violence.
The school where Huang studies also issued a security notice, coordinated support for students, and promised counseling and legal assistance for those involved.