Railsmart

 

​​​​​​​​​​​Being Railsmart around platforms and trains is important to protect the safety of you, your family, and others. Here are some simple ways to be Railsmart. ​

At stations and on platforms

  • Plan ahead and arrive early at the station so you don't need to rush for your train.
  • Walk, don't run.
  • Always take care when using escalators and stairs and use the handrail provided.
  • Use the lift facilities where available, or the ramp, if you have luggage or large items like a pram, bike or scooter. ​
  • Stand behind the yellow line until the train comes to a complete stop in front of you.
  • Station platforms have 'core safety zones' marked by blue and white stripes. These areas have better lighting, CCTV coverage, and emergency phones and are frequented by station staff.
  • Allow others to exit the train first before boarding.
  • Mind the gap between the train and the platform.
  • Avoid distractions and be aware of your surroundings. 
  • Observe all signs and signals.
  • Listen for announcements. ​

Below graphics show:​ Plan ahead and arrive early; please use the handrail on stairs and escalators at stations; wait for others to get off the train before boarding. ​​

Looking down at a wrist watch, people holding the handrails on stairs and escalators, people waiting for a customer to disembark On trains
  • Hold on to the handrails.
  • Beware of closing doors.
  • Keep bags off seats and clear of walkways. 
  • Prepare to disembark when the train approaches your station. 

Travelling with children

  • Stay behind the yellow line. 
  • Mind the gap between the train and the platform. 
  • Keep children within reach. 
  • When entering a gated station, please see a station staff member who can help​ you through the fare gate, or use the wider accessible fare gates.
  • Ensure your child is securely harnessed if in a pram and always back out of the train.
  • Keep a firm grip on the pram using the tethering strap, park the pram parallel on platforms and apply the pram's brakes when stationary. 
  • Make use of priority seating near the train doors.
  • Use the lift or ramp at stations. 
  • Take the time to teach your child the importance of rail safety. Refer to resources for teachers students and parents.​

Below graphics show: Where available use the lift with a pram; stay behind the yellow line and keep prams parallel (sideways) to the tracks; when boarding with a pram please keep the pram in front of you, lifting the front wheels over the gap​.​

Lady using lift with pram; family behind the yellow line with pram parallel to tracks, boarding train with pram lifting front

At level crossings

There are over 1,200 public level crossings in Queensland and all have some form of protection including boom gates, warning signs, flashing lights, or signage.​

  • Pay attention to all signs and signals.
  • Use designated pathways to cross. 
  • Never enter a railway crossing if the red lights are flashing or the boom gates are down.
  • Never queue across train tracks.
  • Always look out for extra trains.

Trespassing

​Passenger trains in Queensland can travel up to 160km/h and can take over one kilometre to stop in an emergency. Trespassing incidents can lead to service disruptions, personal injury, or death.​

  • Stay off the tracks at all times. 
  • Never cut across the tracks.
  • Keep to designated walkways.
On the spot fines can be issued to anyone who enters or leaves a railway other than through a proper entrance or exit, or who crosses a railway line at a non-designated crossing. With approximately 12,000 CCTV cameras on the network, a dedicated team of Rail Squad Officers, Security and Emergency teams, Authorised Officers, and Private Security Guards, the odds of getting caught are high.​​