SEOUL, December 10 (AJP) - Busan plans to ban personal mobility devices and large-capacity backup batteries equipped with high-capacity lithium batteries from its subway system, citing growing fire safety concerns.
The Busan Transportation Corporation said on Wednesday it is revising its passenger transport regulations to introduce the ban. The restrictions will apply to personal mobility devices that use lithium batteries and to backup batteries with capacities exceeding 160 watt-hours, roughly four times the size of typical portable power banks. Mobility aids used by people with disabilities will be exempt.
The move follows a series of fires and smoke incidents linked to lithium batteries on urban rail systems. In September, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport urged operators to minimize the carriage of devices with large lithium batteries, prompting other cities, including Seoul, to consider similar measures.
Busan Transportation Corporation said internal reviews have been completed and that the rules could take effect as early as next month, subject to approval by its board and authorization by the city government.
Once implemented, station staff will be authorized to prevent passengers from boarding or to ask them to disembark if they are found carrying restricted devices.
* This article, published by Economic Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP.
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