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Tram safety

A number of safety initiatives are being undertaken to ensure your journey on Melbourne's trams is as safe as possible.

These initiatives are implemented by Melbourne's tram operator, Yarra Trams, and the State Government of Victoria and are outlined below.

Tram safety initiatives include:

  • Customer service and safety staff on trams, including at night through to the last tram.
  • The Connecting Transport Services program which has improved transport interchange facilities across Victoria to increase the safety and comfort of passengers transferring between different modes of transport.
  • Tram accreditation for all operators of passenger tram services, including tourist and heritage-listed operations.
  • Closed-circuit television cameras on new Combino trams.
  • Upgraded braking systems on the historic W-class trams.

Before your journey

It is recommended all passengers pre-purchase their tickets.This means you won’t have to worry about steadying yourself on a moving tram while buying a ticket from the coin-only machine.
Passengers can purchase a ticket from one of the many Metcard retail outlets located throughout the network.
See where to buy tickets

Getting to the tram stop

Please listen and watch for traffic and trams. For your safety, the use of personal headphones is not recommended.

Waiting for the tram

Pay attention to your safety, even when you are not on a tram. Safety starts before you even get to the tram stop.
While you wait in a safety zone or on a platform stop:

  • Always stand behind the line marking.• Do not lean against the safety railing.• Never lean or walk out into the path of oncoming trams or traffic.
  • As there can be many routes travelling through the one stop remember to first check the destination board on the oncoming tram and, if this is your tram, flag down the tram and make yourself visible to the driver.
  • When the tram doors open, please be aware that some trams have a red stop sign on the door that pops out for the attention of motorists.
  • Before boarding have your ticket ready for validating or coins ready to purchase a ticket.
  • NEVER lean or walk out into the path of oncoming trams or traffic
  • Be aware of the redstop sign on the doors

Getting on safely

  • When boarding from a kerbside stop, wait until all the traffic has stopped completely before you walk out onto the road to board the tram.
  • Please wait for passengers to finish getting off the tram before you board at any tram stop.
  • Remember to watch your step as you board the tram.
  • When boarding the tram please use the handrails. This will help you steady yourself when the tram moves off.
  • Never bring anything (including food and drink) onboard a tram that may interfere with the safety and comfort of your fellow passengers.

Onboard

  • Remember to hold onto the handrails while validating or purchasing a ticket. The tram may move off without you realising it, so be prepared or you may lose your balance.
  • Once you have purchased or validated your ticket, move clear of the doorways and occupy the nearest available seat. If a seat is not available, move to an empty part of the tram, using the handrails to steady yourself.

When seated

  • Keep both feet on the floor. This will help you steady yourself in the event that the tram driver has to brake unexpectedly.• Place schoolbags, shopping bags or briefcases on your lap.• Please offer your seat to elderly people, pregnant women and people who are mobility impaired.

When standing

  • Place schoolbags, shopping bags or briefcases on the floor between your feet.
  • Please allow your fellow passengers room to move around you if they need to get off the tram
  • Caution sudden braking can occur
  • When standing, place bags on floor between your feet

Getting off safely

  • Please provide the driver with plenty of notice for your stop by using the stop cord or button.
    Never use your body, arms or hands to obstruct the tram doors while they are closing, as this may cause you injury. If you need the doors to be reopened, please get the attention of the driver by calling the stop again.
  • When getting off the tram always watch your step and check for traffic.
  • Once you have disembarked from the tram, stay within the safety zone until it is all clear and safe to cross the road. In the case where pedestrian crossings are present, please wait until the traffic has stopped and the crossing indicates that it is safe to cross.
  • Never walk out behind a tram across the tram tracks.
  • Watch your step and check for traffic when getting off the tram.
  • NEVER walk out behind a tram across the tram tracks.

Special needs

A Yarra Trams wheelchair users guide can be posted out to you by calling the Yarra Trams Customer Feedback Line on 1800 800 166 from 6am to 10pm everyday, or the guide can be downloaded from yarratrams.com.au (will open in a new window).

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 safety and travelling on Melbourne's metropolitan train network visit yarratrams.com.au (will open in a new window).