NJ TRANSIT PROHIBITS HOVERBOARDS SYSTEMWIDE

Prevention of Customer Injury and Fire Hazards a Top Priority

February 10, 2016

NEWARK, NJ -- NJ TRANSIT has announced a ban on hoverboards on all trains, buses, light rail and Access Link vehicles, at stations and outlying property starting February 10, 2016.  Customers and employees will no longer be permitted to ride, charge, store or transport the devices on the NJ TRANSIT system and at stations or facilities. 

“NJ TRANSIT prides itself on putting the safety of customers and employees first,” said NJ TRANSIT interim Executive Director Dennis J. Martin.  “Through news accounts nationwide, we have seen too many cases of people falling and seriously injuring themselves or, in some instances, the devices sparking flames.”

The restrictions come as mass transit systems across the country begin to implement regulations on hoverboards.  Recently, Amtrak, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and commuter rail agencies in Chicago and Southern California have banned the devices.  Most major U.S. airlines prohibit hoverboards on board aircraft, and various college campuses have restricted students from having the devices in on-campus housing complexes.

NJ TRANSIT currently prohibits customers from riding in-line skates and skateboards on board trains, buses and light rail vehicles and has regulations pertaining to the transportation of bicycles including a requirement that bicycles must be walked on platforms and inside station buildings.

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 165 rail stations, 62 light rail stations and more than 19,000 bus stops linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.