A conspiracy claim spreading on Taiwanese social media says Taipei's subway is stripping out center poles and seats to help police and Chinese soldiers control passengers — the transit operator flatly denies it, calling the posts fabricated.

• Posts on Threads used doctored photos to claim Mayor Chiang Wan-an is clearing train cars so crowds have "nowhere to run," pointing to Hong Kong's crackdown as the model.
• Taipei Metro says the layout change is about fitting more riders, easier boarding, and better wheelchair access — nothing political or military.
• The operator has preserved evidence, demanded the posts be deleted, and threatened police reports under public order and criminal law.
• Puma Shen, the DPP's candidate for Taipei mayor, says the city government should focus on explaining decisions clearly instead of threatening lawsuits after rumors spread.
• Shen also grants a real gripe: with no center poles, riders who need something to hold — including disabled passengers — lose out.

Outlook: The dispute is likely to keep feeding Taipei's mayoral race, where trust in city hall's communication is becoming a campaign issue.