If you were planning to surprise your favorite person with a bouquet of flowers and metallic balloons on the Mexico City Metro, this note is for you.
The Metro Collective Transportation System made a special announcement for February 14: you may be denied entry with metallic or helium-filled balloons.
The reason? Although they seem harmless, these balloons can come loose, fall onto the tracks, and cause short circuits that affect service. And yes, that could delay trains, lead to evacuations, or temporarily suspend operations.
According to Metro General Director Adrián Rubalcava Suárez, the entire network is energized with more than 750 volts. If a metallic balloon comes into contact with this energy, it can generate an electric arc capable of causing an accident.
So if your plan included crossing turnstiles with a huge heart-shaped balloon, you might want to think twice.
This is what the Mexico City Metro regulations say
The measure is neither new nor improvised. It is backed by regulations published in the Official Gazette of Mexico City on September 15, 2017.
Article 227 states that service may be denied when a person carries flammable packages or materials that pose a risk to other users or may cause damage to the vehicle and facilities.
In this context, metallic balloons fall into this category, as they can cause electrical incidents. In addition, the Metro urged users to secure their belongings properly to avoid any disruption to service.
On one of the busiest and most festive days in the city, the recommendation is simple: if you are going to give balloons as gifts, it is better to transport them by other means or avoid metallic balloons.
Because, yes, no one wants their love story to end… stuck on the platform.