Taipei Metro urges passengers not to use power banks after fire incidents

Taipei, Jan. 23 (CNA) Taipei Rapid Transit Corp. (TRTC) Friday urged passengers not to use power banks on the metro system, after one self-ignited on the Taipei Metro Blue Line Jan. 16.

Under the new policy, passengers entering stations are urged not to use power banks and must keep them properly stored.

Although TRTC noted there is currently no law to fine passengers for using the devices, officials warned that those whose batteries cause fires will face legal action and be held liable for damages.

Lin Rong-hui (林榮輝), director of the Taipei Metro Department of Safety and Health, told reporters that a recent incident in which a power bank caught fire on the Blue Line caused panic among passengers, forcing hundreds to transfer to another train.

He also cited a similar incident on the Tokyo Metro earlier this week, when a power bank caught fire and temporarily disrupted services, adding that there have been five incidents involving power banks catching fire on the Taipei Metro over the past three years.

Lin noted that while airline protocols strictly regulate lithium-ion batteries, no other major foreign metro operators currently impose such constraints on power bank usage.

Despite the lack of international precedent, Lin said that after consulting with experts, the company decided to prioritize public safety by advising passengers to abstain from using the devices within the system.

He urged the central government to amend the Mass Rapid Transit Act to provide a clear legal framework for enforcement.

To manage potential emergencies, TRTC has equipped all 117 metro stations with specialized fire-suppression kits, including iron buckets, tongs, heat-resistant gloves and bottled water, he said.