N.J. Transit wants Pokemon Go players to be safe around trains and rail facilities.
The transit agency announced its support of a joint letter released by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and the Association of American Railroads (AAR) urging safe behaviors in or near railroad tracks, stations and rail yard facilities in light of the popular Pokemon Go game.
National railroad organizations recently sent the letter to John Hanke, chief executive officer for Niantic Labs Inc., the maker of Pokemon Go. They recommend that the Niantic Labs team consider ways to promote safety, particularly by avoiding the placement of Pokemon and virtual points of interest in the game on or near railroad tracks.
“The public needs to be aware that N.J. Transit is an active system, with buses, trains and light rail vehicles moving constantly,’’ Interim Executive Director Dennis Martin said in a news release. “With a 24-7 transportation operation, a distracted pedestrian could unintentionally find themselves in harm’s way.’’
N.J. Transit said there have been no instances of anyone being injured on or near the N.J. Transit system as a result of playing this game, but N.J. Transit urges all game players to use extreme caution.
