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The Pokemon Go trend: What (if anything) it means for railroaders


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#1 CNJRoss

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Posted 14 July 2016 - 03:29 AM

KOKI-TV, Tulsa, OK 7/13:
 

Tulsa railroad company says Pokemon Go! is putting players at risk

 

TULSA, Okla. —

Quick facts:

  • BNSF officials say Pokemon Go! is putting people at risk.
  • They said the game developers put an important stop in their rail yard.
  • They worry someone could be hit by a train there.

 

The Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad (BNSF) is issuing a warning to Pokémon Go! players in the Tulsa area.

 

BNSF Regional Spokesman Joe Sloan tells FOX23 the company is having problems with people walking into their west Tulsa railyard facility to collect Pokeballs and other items.

 

The creators of the Pokémon app, Niantic, put what is called a Pokestop in the middle of the BNSF’s railyard near the Holly-Frontier oil refinery.

 

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#2 CNJRoss

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Posted 16 July 2016 - 07:23 AM

Progressive Railroading, 7/15:

 

Transit agencies use 'Pokemon GO' to encourage ridership

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) and other transit agencies are using the "Pokemon GO" game to encourage public transit ridership.

 

g48805-LA-Metro-Pokemon-GO.jpg
Source: @PokemonGOMetro Twitter account

 

Several of Metro's rail stations serve as "gyms," where players of the game can train and battle Pokemon, the agency announced this week. Additionally, many stops serve as "Pokestops," where players can gather equipment needed for the game.

"For those of you who aren’t too keen on walking long distances, Metro buses and trains are a good traffic-beating option with many stations near the type of community gathering places favored by the game," Metro officials said in a press release.

 

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#3 CNJRoss

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Posted 16 July 2016 - 07:24 AM

LACMTA news release:

 

Even Pokémon GO Metro

Tuesday July 12, 2016

 

It seems as if the entire world is now playing Pokémon GO, the new game that allows participants to hunt virtual Pokémon in the real world with their smart phones. Plenty of transit riders are also hopping on board Metro with Pokémon often appearing on buses, trains and in stations.

 

Metro wants to help riders catch them all. Numerous Metro Rail stations are now ‘gyms’ where you can train and battle your Pokémon while you wait for your ride. Many are also ‘Pokéstops’ where you can gather more equipment. The agency has even created a Twitter handle @PokemonGOMetro to help riders map the location of Pokéstops. The new Twitter feed will also be used to share tips and discuss how the game has inspired users to engage their communities in new ways.

 

For those who don’t know how to play the game: download the app and start walking, which is the safest way to catch Pokémon – please do not attempt to play while driving. For those of you who aren’t too keen on walking long distances, Metro buses and trains are a good traffic-beating option with many stations near the type of community gathering places favored by the game. Those playing in downtown Los Angeles can also use the new Metro bike sharing service, a convenient way to travel short distances.

 

Metro would also like to remind all players obey the first and most important rule of the game: Be alert at all times. Stay aware of your surroundings.



#4 CNJRoss

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Posted 20 July 2016 - 03:07 PM

Metro Magazine, 7/20:
 

NYC Transit program urges safety when playing Pokémon Go

 

By Charles Seaton, MTA New York City Transit

 

MTA New York City Transit was quick to recognize the popularity of that new electronic gaming sensation Pokémon Go. Officials also spared no time in identifying the potential hazards of trying to catch the creatures in surroundings where there is a four-and-a-half foot drop to the tracks.

 

In response, the agency has created a new safety campaign for its “On The Go” (OTG) travel station kiosks, reminding customers to stay safe by remaining behind the yellow line when trying to catch the animated creatures. .  .  .

 

SNIP

 

The On The Go campaign began running July 15. New York City Transit had previously issued similar warnings through Twitter and Facebook posts that generated more than 400,000 views in less than a week.

 

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#5 KevinKorell

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Posted 27 July 2016 - 06:08 PM

Progressive Railroading, July 2016:

 


The Pokemon Go trend: What (if anything) it means for railroaders

Perhaps you're wandering your neighborhood trying to "catch 'em all." Or you're hearing stories about your coworkers or family members doing just that. Whatever the case may be, Pokemon Go most likely has infiltrated your personal or professional life in some fashion.

Read



Kevin Korell


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#6 KevinKorell

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Posted 27 July 2016 - 06:23 PM

DART e-mail:

 

Contrary to what some parents may say to their kids, playing Pokémon Go isn't fatal. But the distractions caused by the addictive augmented reality game can put your life in jeopardy when searching for stops around transit.

 

 

 

Several DART and TRE locations are Pokestops. But remember, we built the system for people and vehicles used to get them where they need to go, not for a game. We want you to be safe when using transit.

 

 

 

Enjoy your game. But when you're at a DART or TRE facility, stop, look up, unplug and live.

 

 

 

Thanks for riding.

 



Kevin Korell


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Lakewood, NJ


#7 KevinKorell

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Posted 17 August 2016 - 12:51 PM

M-PokemonProblems-NoodleBoys-screenshot-

Man charged for hopping on subway tracks for Pokémon Go video

TORONTO — A comedian who hopped on Toronto's subway tracks to make a "cautionary" video about Pokémon Go says he won't fight a charge against him, The Canadian Press reported.

Toronto Transit Commission spokesman Brad Ross said Mark Correia, 20, has been charged with unauthorized access on subway tracks, which carries a set fine of $425, according to the story.

The YouTube video, called "Pokémon Go Problems," shows Correia walking into various objects, falling over and walking on the subway tracks at Toronto's Union Station, all while looking at his cellphone and evidently playing the popular mobile game, according to The Canadian Press.

For the full story, click here.

Keywords

fines   Pokemon Go   public transit fines   rail safety   Toronto Transit Commission   TTC   

 

Follow @lctmag on Twitter



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#8 KevinKorell

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Posted 24 August 2016 - 11:10 AM

Progressive Railroading, 8/23/16:

FRA, AAR warn Pokemon Go maker about gamers near railroads


Federal Railroad Administrator Sarah Feinberg and Association of American Railroads (AAR) President and Chief Executive Officer Ed Hamberger have asked Niantic Labs Inc. to change its "Pokemon Go" game to discourage players from hunting virtual Pokemon characters near rail property.

Here is this article.


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#9 CNJRoss

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Posted 28 August 2016 - 08:45 AM

Good read!

 

Railway Age, 8/25:
 

Pokémon Go walk in front of a moving train

 

It’s unsettling, and very weird, I tell you. People—children, adults, teenagers—walking around, even driving, oblivious to their surroundings, fixated on their smartphones, looking for goofy little virtual characters called Pokémons (is that short for “poke me in the eye”?).

 

This new form of Hanke Panky (I’ll explain in a moment) is called “Pokémon Go.”  .  .  .

 

SNIP

 

Moral of the story: Look up from your phone, be aware of your surroundings—and make sure you do everything you can to continue living, safely, in the real world.

 

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