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.

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.

Additionally, the agency created a Twitter handle dedicated to updates about the augmented reality game, which requires players to walk around their environments to capture virtual creatures.

However, Metro cautioned players to remain alert and aware of their surroundings while playing the game. On Twitter, MTA New York City Transit (NYCT) and several other agencies have issued similar warnings.

Meanwhile, Houston's Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Miami-Dade Transit and others also sent out tweets encouraging Pokemon GO players to use transit to catch Pokemon.