Japan taxi group weighs service suspension criteria after deadly flooding in Chiba Pref.
CHIBA -- The Chiba Prefecture taxi association held an emergency meeting on Aug. 31 following the death of a passenger after a taxi became submerged d
On August 31, the Chiba Prefecture taxi association convened an emergency meeting in the aftermath of a fatal accident involving a taxi submerged during heavy rains on August 13 and 14. The incident resulted in the death of a 66-year-old passenger in Sakura city. In response, the association agreed to consider implementing criteria for suspending taxi services during disaster alerts, consulting with relevant organizations as they grappled with the challenge of maintaining taxis as the primary means of transportation while ensuring passenger safety.
The association, comprising 142 member taxi companies, reported that 220 vehicles were flooded during the torrential rains, including 116 in operation. Sakura city faced a particularly tragic outcome, as the death of the elderly passenger highlighted the urgent need for improved safety measures. Association chairman Taku Saito expressed deep remorse, stating, "A serious situation occurred in Sakura in which a customer died while riding in a taxi, and I am deeply ashamed and remorseful that we were unable to ensure passenger safety, the foremost responsibility of taxi operators."
The association pledged to conduct a thorough verification and study to learn from the incident and enhance safety measures in the future.
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