Overview
- STC Metro issued a pre–February 14 advisory urging passengers not to bring metallic or helium-filled balloons into stations or trains.
- Officials explained that contact between conductive objects and the electrified guide bar can trigger short circuits, causing temporary suspensions and delays.
- Security staff and the Auxiliary Police will monitor stations and may stop entry with metallic balloons or ask users to remove them.
- Riders were reminded never to go onto the tracks and to request assistance from security or operations personnel to recover fallen items.
- The alert also covers items with metal components, including umbrellas, canes, backpacks with conductive elements, and shiny or metalized gift wrap, with non-metallic gifts suggested as safer alternatives.