Shen Po-yang's 'Sports Station' Proposal Mocked by Blue Camp, Yin Wei Says 'Chiang Wan-an is the One in Charge'

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Taipei mayoral candidate Shen Po-yang has proposed a policy called 'Sports Stations,' aiming to install lockers, changing rooms, and shower facilities at MRT stations, hiking trail entrances, and parks. The goal is to save commuting time for office workers who want to exercise after work without returning home first. However, the proposal has been widely mocked by the opposition Blue Camp. Supporters pushed back, pointing out that similar facilities are already common in Japan and South Korea. In response, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an stated, 'We are open to considering good suggestions.'

Yin Wei, Director of Taipei City Government's Research, Development, and Evaluation Commission, said on October 13 during the program 'Chien Chiu Wan Shih' that Chiang Wan-an is 'the one in charge,' meaning he must consider practical feasibility beyond just creative ideas. Yin acknowledged that such facilities 'might be beneficial for people who exercise,' but highlighted several critical issues that need discussion.

First, should users pay? How much would it cost? Shen cited examples from Osaka and Seoul, where most such facilities are privately operated. So, should the government run them directly, contract them out, or allow private entities to operate them independently? Could an organization like Black Bear Academy manage them? Furthermore, how many stations should be built? Where should they start? Has demand been surveyed?

Yin pointed out that Shen's proposal completely ignored these practical aspects, calling it overly simplistic. The city government, by contrast, is seriously considering implementation challenges. For instance, if stations are placed inside MRT stations, how should space be reconfigured? Should they be inside or outside the station? How would external space coordination work?

Additionally, cleaning, safety, and maintenance would require staffing, budgeting, and risk management. The 'person in charge' must consider these costs and potential downsides. While London's King's Cross Station does have such facilities, it's a major integrated transport hub involving both local and central government coordination. Yin suggested Shen, as a legislator, should first raise these issues in parliamentary questioning.