A number of safety initiatives are being undertaken to ensure your train journey is as safe as possible.

These initiatvies are implemented by Melbourne's train operator, Connex, and the State Government of Victoria, and are outlined below.

Train safety initiatives include:

• Customer service and safety staff at stations and on trains.
• The installation of additional closed-circuit television security cameras at 22 suburban railway stations in Melbourne.
• Premium Stations that offer improved security and services for passengers.
• The establishment of a police-staffed shopfront at Frankston Station.
• Equipping all new and refurbished trains with closed-circuit television cameras and duress alarms.
• The Connecting Transport Services program that focuses on improvements to transport interchange facilities across Victoria to increase the safety and comfort of passengers transferring between different modes of transport.
• Train accreditation for all operators of passenger rail services, including tourist and heritage-listed rail operations.
• Improvements to railway crossings throughout Victoria, including a number of railway crossing safety projects.
• The Rail Crossing Safety Campaign (opens in new window).
• An ongoing program of on-the-spot inspections of railway operations.

Safety at stations

All stations are equipped with CCTV camera coverage of platforms and station entrances. This footage is monitored by control room staff located at Premium Stations.

All non-staffed stations have communication links to these control rooms via the emergency button. By using this link passengers and staff can communicate directly to staff in the control room who are equipped to deal with incidents.

Yellow safety zones are also being trialled and are located on platforms. By standing in the designated intercom system area you will be within reach of the emergency button and will be in full view of the CCTV camera.

While Connex is unable to staff all stations, their customer service employees and Safe Travel Staff along with Victoria Police Transit Safety Division officers and local police pay regular visits to all stations.

Lighting of stations and car parks has also been improved.

Safe travel staff

A strong visual presence is the best way to reassure passengers, and provide a deterrent for anti-social behavior.

During the day Connex customer service employees travel on trains and visit stations to help customers with their travel needs.

As part of the Victorian Government's Travel Safe program, Connex has introduced Safe Travel Staff to the network. Safe Travel Staff work during and after the evening peak, patrolling trains, stations and station car parks.

Safe Travel Staff have security training, are skilled communicators and are equipped to deal with incidents.

Victorian Police Transit Safety Division officers also patrol trains throughout the day and evening. While some officers are in uniform, many work in plain clothes. Remember while you don't see the uniform, the person sitting next to you could be a police officer.

Safety zones

Selected train stations are trialling a new initiative called 'Safety Zones' to help passengers feel safe when travelling on public transport. The new initiative is part of a series of programs, which will be integrated throughout the system.

The 'Safety Zone' will be outlined by station signage and clear markings on the ground. The specified areas will be well lit and located within reach of the emergency buttons, which are present at all Connex stations. Most importantly, these areas receive comprehensive video surveillance throughout operational hours.

Safety Zones will be clearly marked so passengers will be able to identify their 'Safety Zone' easily when arriving at a platform.

The 'Safety Zone' program is part of a push to improve security and safety at stations and on Connex trains.

Safe travel tips

Before you begin your journey check train times and any connections before leaving. For details about the latest track works or interruptions to services see Service Updates

Safety around stations

• Arrive at the station allowing plenty of time to purchase and validate your ticket.
• When waiting for the train, always stand behind the yellow line on the platform.
• Rollerblading, skateboarding and bicycle riding is not permitted on the station platform.
• Avoid running in and around the station, particularly when footpaths and platform surfaces are wet.
• Take care when using escalators, stand between the yellow lines and ensure clothing, bag straps or fingers do not get caught.
• Passengers with prams, trolleys or in wheelchairs should use the lifts where available.
• Only cross the train tracks at designated pedestrian crossings. Crossing at non-marked areas is dangerous and illegal.

Boarding and getting off trains safely

• Stand behind the yellow line until the train is completely stationary.
• Do not force the doors open, or attempt to board the train when the train is leaving the platform.
• Allow passengers to leave the train before attempting to board.
• Drivers will assist passengers with special needs to board the train. Yellow or white markers on platforms indicate train-stopping points.
• Passengers with prams or shopping trolleys should also board the front carriage of the train to be clearly visible to the driver.
• Use the grab rails to steady yourself when boarding or alighting.
• Prepare to alight before reaching your destination station.

Safety onboard trains

• Be sure you have a valid ticket before boarding the train.
• Take your seat when boarded or steady yourself by holding a grab rail if you are standing.
• Avoid moving between carriages whilst the train is in transit.
• Prams, pushers or baby carraiges may be carried free of charge at all times.
• Bicycles and surfboards may be carried free on trains. Passengers travelling with bicycles or surfboards are requested to avoid using peak hour trains where possible.
• Smoking is NOT permitted on any Connex trains, and while smoking is permitted on platforms, please consider other people.
• Please offer your seat to elderly people, those with special needs and pregnant women.
• Make sure your luggage is stowed correctly and avoid blocking the aisle.
• After 7pm, travel in the front carriage so you are close to the driver.
• If there are other passengers on the train, sit near them, not by yourself
• Carry a phone card, spare change or mobile phone.

Emergency assistance

If you witness an emergency, accident, offence or act of vandalism while using Melbourne's public transport system please report the incident by calling Emergency Assistance on (000).

Further information

For further information about safe travel in Melbourne and Victoria visit the Department of Transport's Safe Travel website (opens in new window).

For further information about safety and travelling on Melbourne's metropolitan train network visit Connex Safety and Security (opens in new window).