Central News Agency (CNA reporter Huang Chao-wen, Taipei, July 3rd) To bolster its driver workforce, the Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) will recruit drivers, with an estimated 45 positions to be filled. The TRA announced today that online applications will close at 5 PM on July 6th. The initial starting salary will be NT$42,580, which will be adjusted to NT$50,280 upon formal appointment after obtaining a license from the Railway Bureau. The TRA previously released the recruitment guidelines for drivers for the 2026 examination in June. Online applications opened at 2 PM on June 25th and will close at 5 PM on July 6th, with three days remaining until the deadline. A press release issued today invites individuals with a passion for railway operations and professional potential to apply. According to the guidelines, the first stage of the examination, a written test, will be held on July 25th, and the second stage, an oral interview, will take place on August 29th. The TRA stated that drivers are the core soul safeguarding the safe operation of trains. This recruitment aims to fill 45 positions, with an additional 15 reserve positions. Newly hired personnel will initially be appointed with the title of "Technician," with a starting salary of approximately NT$42,580. The TRA pointed out that the company will provide a comprehensive and rigorous training program to fully support personnel in obtaining professional licenses. Upon successfully obtaining the "National Railway Passenger and Freight Motive Power Vehicle Driver's License" issued by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications' Railway Bureau and actually undertaking train driving duties, they will be formally appointed as "Drivers," with their starting salary adjusted to approximately NT$50,280. The TRA added that in addition to their base salary, those actually performing passenger and freight motive power vehicle driving duties may also receive hazard pay and night shift allowances according to r