Central News Agency (CNA reporter Yeh Su-ping, Taipei, June 29) President Lai Ching-te shared a short video on social media platforms including Facebook today, stating that a few days ago, he visited the Jianguo Taxi Service Station to chat with frontline drivers. His second elder brother was also a taxi driver, so he can better understand the hardships drivers face every day, rushing on the roads and working long hours. The government will continue to be the backing for everyone to travel safely and strive for their livelihoods. President Lai said that taxis carry people to work, to appointments, and home, and they accompany the city's daily operations. A few days ago, he visited the Jianguo Taxi Service Station to chat with frontline drivers. When the president served as a National Assembly member and legislator, he often took taxis when he came to Taipei. Later, while serving in Tainan, he also enjoyed chatting with drivers, listening to their stories from all corners of the city. President Lai revealed that his second elder brother was also a taxi driver, so he can better understand the hardships drivers face every day, rushing on the roads and working long hours. Citing the recent impact of the Middle East situation on international oil prices, the president mentioned that the government has already launched a price stabilization mechanism and a "taxi fuel price subsidy." The subsidy has been increased from the original NT$6,000 per vehicle by an additional NT$9,000, bringing the maximum subsidy per vehicle to NT$15,000. He said that drivers work rain or shine, safely transporting every passenger to their destination. The government will continue to be the backing for everyone to travel safely and strive for their livelihoods. In the video, President Lai is seen sitting in a taxi, but the taxi does not move. President Lai curiously asks, "Aren't we going for a ride?" The taxi driver smiles and says, "The security detail said I can't drive."(Editor: Hsieh Chia-c