Another heated debate over Taiwan’s priority seating has exploded online after a viral video showed an elderly woman lashing out at a pregnant passenger who refused to give up her seat for an old man on a train.
The incident, believed to have taken place on a Taiwan Railways commuter train, was shared by a netizen on Facebook, lamenting that yet another case of “priority seat drama” had unfolded before their eyes.
Elderly lady loses her temper
In the video, an elderly woman carrying multiple bags demanded that a pregnant woman seated in a priority seat stand up and offer the spot to an elderly man beside her.
The pregnant woman calmly declined, explaining that she was expecting and also suffering from a knee injury, making it difficult for her to stand.
Unexpectedly, the elderly woman then changed her target, claiming she actually wanted the woman’s child to give up the seat instead.
The pregnant passenger, visibly annoyed, questioned why the woman was fixated on her family when there were other younger passengers seated nearby who could also give up their seats.
The elderly woman replied that the other seats were “already full,” prompting the pregnant woman to retort, “So you think I have an empty seat here for you?”
“You shouldn’t have more kids”
After a brief pause, the elderly woman snapped — telling the pregnant woman:
If you have a conscience, you would know what to do.”
She then hurled a harsher remark that shocked viewers:
You shouldn’t have more kids. Even if you do, you won’t know how to teach them!”
Her cutting words instantly turned public sentiment against her.
Reoccurring issue
The video triggered a wave of backlash, with netizens strongly condemning the elderly woman’s behaviour.
This incident adds to a long string of public arguments over priority seating in Taiwan.
While the seats are intended for the elderly, pregnant women, disabled passengers and parents with young children, disputes often arise over who is “more deserving” — especially when entitlement, moral policing or shaming tactics enter the picture.
As the online discussion continues, many netizens are calling for one reminder:
Priority seats are for those in need — not a weapon for bullying.”
