Yarra Trams - Passenger safety

You are here: Home > Using Trams > Tram safety > Passenger safety

Getting around safely on trams

In the driver's seat

Our tram drivers are very proud of the job they do every day for Melbourne. Each one of our drivers has undergone an intensive training program to prepare them for the challenge of sharing roads with cars and pedestrians.

Should you wish to ask your driver a question, please wait until the trams stops. Your driver's number one responsibility is getting you to your destination safely. It's why we ask you not to speak with the driver when the vehicle is moving unless it is an emergency. In the event that a fellow passenger has a fall on your tram, you should alert your driver immediately.

Our tram community

By catching a tram, you're part of a community and that means looking out for each other. This might be as simple as giving up your seat for elderly, pregnant or special needs passengers or alerting the driver if someone is engaging in antisocial behaviour.

To help keep tram travel safe, there are extra Authorised Officers at night, drivers have direct contact with our 24 hour Operations Centre and Transit Police are riding the network. Of course, in any emergency, call 000 immediately, and look out for each other.

The five golden rules

Trams are subjects to normal day-to-day traffic events. As a result, sudden or emergency stops are sometimes necessary to avoid serious pedestrian injury or vehicle collisions. It is very important that you hold on when standing on board a tram.

1. All hail

Clearly signalling your tram driver as your tram approaches is important for two reasons:

It lets the tram driver know you wish to board that tram.
It alerts approaching motorists that you intend to board the tram. Always watch and wait for cars to stop before stepping out onto the road.

2. Hold on

From the moment you get on board, always keep one hand free of shopping, handbags or other items to steady yourself.

It is important to hold on at all times, particularly when the tram first moves away from the stop, when you are using ticketing equipment, or looking for a seat. The initial forces of acceleration can catch you by surprise.
Steady yourself, look for the nearest seat and use the safety handles, seat backs and poles when you are standing to steady yourself until you sit down.

3. Strike a stance

When standing in a tram, you need to maintain your balance and footing.

Create a solid base by keeping your feet shoulder-width apart.
To be most stable for forward and backward movement - the main forces experienced on trams - face towards the windows and hold on.

4. Bottoms down

Even for a short trip, if seats are available please use one.

Of course, if you see someone less capable of standing safely, then please give up your seat.
If you can't find a seat, don't be afraid to ask other passengers to vacate the signed priority seats for elderly, pregnant or disabled people.
It is best to avoid crossing your legs because if the tram stops suddenly you can topple quite easily.

5. Plan your parting

The tram will be braking as it approaches your stop so be prepared and alert the driver by pressing the stop request button or pulling the cord.

Try to move closer to a door before your stop but keep holding on.
If you miss your stop, please inform the driver to ensure they allow the necessary time for you to disembark at the next stop. Reopening doors is at the driver's discretion.
Always check that cars have stopped before stepping off the tram.

Beware the Rhino

Yarra Trams introduced the Beware The Rhino passenger safety campaign in 2011 in response to an alarming increase in pedestrians being hit by trams.

Our 2016 campaign aims to improve safety for our passengers and Melbourne drivers. Our goals are to reduce passenger falls on trams and reduce on-road collisions.

Passengers beware