NJ TRANSIT ISSUES SAFETY ADVISORY ON SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE7

Strongly Urges Customers Not to Use or Charge the Device Onboard Vehicles or in Facilities

NEWARK, NJ — Following safety concerns raised by Samsung about its Galaxy Note7, NJ TRANSIT is strongly urging all customers not to use or charge the mobile device on board trains, buses, light rail vehicles or in stations and facilities.

“We are asking our customers who have the Galaxy Note7, to simply turn it off before entering an NJ TRANSIT facility or boarding a vehicle.” said interim Executive Director Dennis Martin.  “Because of the uncertainties surrounding this device, we are issuing this precautionary advisory to ensure the safety of all of our customers.”

The Samsung Galaxy Note7 has been the subject of numerous accounts of the batteries bursting into flames.  Both Samsung and the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission are urging owners to power down these devices and stop charging or using them.

“NJ TRANSIT is urging our customers to do the responsible thing and heed the manufacturer’s advice to power down the Galaxy Note7” said Gardner Tabon, Chief of NJ TRANSIT’s Office of System Safety.  “This is especially critical when riding a transit system along with hundreds of thousands of others.”

NJ TRANSIT has not had any reported cases of a Samsung Galaxy Note7 becoming a fire hazard.  In February 2016, NJ TRANSIT restricted customers and employees from using, charging, storing or transporting hoverboards following similar fire safety concerns.

About NJ TRANSIT

NJ TRANSIT is the nation's largest statewide public transportation system providing more than 938,500 weekday trips on 257 bus routes, three light rail lines, 12 commuter rail lines and through Access Link paratransit service. It is the third largest transit system in the country with 166 rail stations, 62 light rail stations and more than 19,000 bus stops linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.