Taiwan metro security tightened following bomb threat amid heightened public safety concerns

Taiwan’s metro systems have been placed under heightened security after authorities received a bomb threat warning of a planned explosion within the metro network on 22 December 2025.

According to a report by Central News Agency, Taiwan Railways Administration received the tip-off at around 10pm on 21 December.

The message claimed a bomb would be planted and detonated at 1:30pm on Monday, 22 December, within Taiwan’s metro system.

As of 3pm on 22 December, no incidents had been reported at Taipei Metro stations.

Authorities said train services continued to operate, while security personnel maintained an elevated level of vigilance across the network.

The administration stated that security measures had been comprehensively strengthened at the Taipei, Taichung, and Tainan metro systems.

Stations connected to metro lines nationwide were also placed on higher alert, reflecting coordinated efforts across transport operators.

Taipei Metro Corporation said any report involving potential threats immediately triggers system-wide alerts from its operations control centre.
All stations are instructed to increase inspections and remain alert for suspicious people or objects.

The corporation added that trains are required to undergo additional checks at terminal stations.

Staff are directed to report any irregularities without delay to ensure rapid response and containment.

Taipei City Government Police Department’s Metro Police Unit said it had mobilised officers across all frontline units.

Joint patrols with station staff and security contractors were intensified following the report.

Police said searches were strengthened across platforms, concourses, toilets, and train carriages.

Officers were instructed to remain highly alert and enhance preventive measures to reassure commuters and deter potential threats.

Taiwan Railways Administration confirmed that all stations integrated with metro systems nationwide had raised their security posture.
The agency said coordination with police and local authorities was ongoing to ensure consistent safety standards.

Investigations into the bomb threat found that the account used to issue the warning was traced to an IP address in Cambodia.
Police said inquiries were continuing to determine the individual responsible and whether the threat was credible.

19 Dec Taipei Metro stabbing attack killed 4, injured at least 11

The threat comes amid heightened public anxiety following a deadly stabbing attack on the Taipei Metro on 19 December.

That incident left four people dead and at least 11 others wounded, shaking public confidence in transport safety.

Police identified the suspect as 27-year-old Chang Wen (張文).

Authorities said Chang allegedly threw a smoke bomb at Taipei Main Station before attacking members of the public near the station and the Zhongshan area.

Following the attack, police said Chang fled the scene and was pursued by officers.

Authorities later confirmed that Chang died after jumping from the sixth floor of the Eslite Spectrum Nanxi building during the chase.

The Taipei City Police Department said it had ruled out terrorism in the 19 December attack.

Investigators found no evidence of political, religious, or ideological motivation, concluding the suspect acted alone.

According to police, Chang had planned the attack for more than a year.

Investigators cited evidence showing advance preparation, including the purchase of weapons, protective gear, and incendiary materials.

In the days following the stabbing, authorities noted the emergence of suspected copycat threats.

Officials said the recent bomb warning appeared within this broader context of heightened risk and public fear.

Police and transport agencies stressed that strengthening security was a precautionary measure.
They urged the public to remain calm, cooperate with inspections, and report any suspicious behaviour immediately.

Officials reiterated that maintaining safety across mass transit systems remained a top priority.

They said security arrangements would be adjusted dynamically based on threat assessments and ongoing investigations.