YarraTrams

Safety - On Trams and Stops

Nothing is more important to Yarra Trams than the safety of our passengers, employees, and the community. That’s why we are constantly improving the safety of Melbourne’s tram network.

But we can’t do it all on our own. Everyone can play a role in keeping themselves and others safe.

Like ensuring you watch your step when embarking and disembarking so you don't trip. Hold on tight to a handle when on our trams. Trams stop and start multiple times as they navigate their way through Melbourne's car and pedestrian traffic. Take a seat if available and always keep the accessibility designated areas clear for those in need.

If you're a motorist or other road user, click here to review some key rules and tips for driving on our shared road network. 

For passengers and pedestrians alike, please continue reading about tram safety. You can also read our Easy English guide to tram safety.

Tram Safety

On a busy, shared road network, trams may need to brake suddenly and unexpectedly.  This can result in slips and falls if you're not prepared.  Whether you're visiting and brand new to tramming, or familiar with trams as one of our regular commuters, it's important to take the following simple steps to ensure your safety.  Tram Coach has all the tips to help keep you safe on-board.  Read more below!

Boarding

Slips, trips and falls are mostly likely to occur during the boarding phase of your journey.  To help keep you safer, here are three simple tips to ensure you get on strong:

  • Ensure you have your myki ready to touch on before you board, so that you are not fumbling around looking for it when the tram pulls away.
  • Touch on as you board, rather than having to do so as the tram is moving.  myki readers are conveniently located at all tram doors.
  • Find a seat, or grab a handrail or strap if you are standing.

On board

Once on board, following these tips will keep you traveling safer:

  • Find a seat and sit tight for the duration of your journey.
  • If a seat isn’t available, use a feet-apart strong stance to stand strong, and grip right using a handrail or strap.
  • Be aware and take care of those around you, and offer your seat to those who are elderly, pregnant, injured or have a disability.  Priority seats for these passengers are located on all trams.  Transport (Compliance and Misc) (Conduct on Public Transport) Regulations 2015 can be enforced and if you do not give up a priority seat, you may be fined.

Disembarking

At the end of your journey, ensure you exit safely and step off correctly by following the Tram Coach's advice:

  • Press the “stop” button or pull the cord to alert the driver of your upcoming stop, allowing time for you to prepare to exit.
  • Gather your things before the tram arrives at your stop.
  • Don’t start moving towards the exit until the tram has come to a complete stop.
  • Once off the tram, passengers should cross tram tracks at designated pedestrian crossings. Do not stay on the road for longer than necessary.
Tram Interactive Brochure Stop Scene
Illustration depicting various safety tips for commuters using public transportation in a colourful, urban setting with cars, a tram, and people at a tram station. It highlights the importance of being aware of the surroundings, holding onto poles, taking off headphones, and looking both ways when exiting a tram.

Image description

An animated scene showing a street on a rainy night and characters moving around it. One character is in a car and the caption says "Cars check your blind spot. Especially when turning right, before crossing tram tracks". Another character is in a car pulled up next to a tram at a tram stop. The caption says "Cars always be prepared to stop for alighting and boarding passengers". The caption next to the character at the tram stop says "Be alert to your surroundings. Take off your headphones". Next to the characters getting off the tram, the caption says "Look both ways for traffic when exiting a tram". There's also a bubble depicting a character sitting inside the tram, with a caption that says "Always sit when seats are available. If standing, hold on to a pole, hand rail, or strap".

Crossing safely around trams

Trams can take much longer and further to stop than you may think.  It’s important to be extra vigilant when crossing tram tracks, so here are some tips to keep you safe:

  • Watch and listen for oncoming trams in both directions when crossing tracks
  • Watch and listen for traffic when crossing roads to get on and off trams
  • Pedestrians should cross tram tracks at designated pedestrian crossings only
  • When one tram has passed, be aware that another tram may be passing behind it in the opposite direction

Personal security

For your personal security, authorised officers regularly travel on trams, all tram drivers are directly connected to our operations centre, and many trams are equipped with CCTV cameras.