Translink has partnered with Rail Safe Friendly, an accredited UK-wide programme, to help spread the vital message of rail safety in Northern Ireland. The new partnership also marks the launch of a new ‘Rail Cool Rules’ (RCR) campaign created by Translink and targeting P7 pupils.
With the primary aim of keeping young people safe when using or near the railway, the campaign brings rail safety to life through an animation video featuring Translink NI Railways employees plus engaging classroom activities.
The resources are now available for local primary schools to use in the classroom and cover the following 8 key topics: Platform Safety, Yellow Lines, Getting On & Off Services, Objects On Tracks, Respect, Level Crossings, Construction Sites and Train Speed.
Launching the partnership in Belfast Grand Central Station, Chris Conway, Translink Group Chief Executive, said: “Safety underpins everything we do across our bus and rail network as we lead the transformation of transport in Northern Ireland – keeping our customers, staff, contractors and the wider public safe is always our top priority.
“Today we mark the beginning of this exciting new rail safety partnership between Translink and the Rail Safe Friendly Programme. It is a great opportunity to come together and unite in our shared mission to boost rail safety awareness in Northern Ireland.
“By reaching young people, particularly before they head off to secondary level education and enjoy more independence, we can instil safe and responsible behaviour on and around the railway and wider public transport network reducing the risk of any incidents.
“Rail Cool Rules is designed to do this in a fun and memorable way, getting the audience to think about the simple steps they can take to stay safe. It provides teachers with a valuable in-classroom resource and supports the NI curriculum ‘Personal Development & Mutual Understanding’ area of learning.
“We are pleased to work in partnership with Rail Safe Friendly who’ve already made a positive impact on rail safety education in England, Scotland and Wales. We now looking forward to bringing ‘Rail Cool Rules’ into local classrooms and would encourage local schools to get involved.”
Stuart Heaton, Managing Director of Learn Live and Rail Safe Friendly, marked the milestone by saying: “We’re delighted to welcome Translink to the Rail Safe Friendly programme. This partnership reflects the rail industry’s shared commitment to making railway safety education accessible to young people nationwide. We’re excited to have Translink involved and look forward to continuing our work to help protect young people from the risks of railway trespass.”
Oakwood Integrated Primary School in Belfast is the first school in Northern Ireland to use Translink’s Rail Cool Rules resources to complete the Rail Safe Friendly Programme and receive its Gold standard accreditation.
Teacher Maria McKenna said: “Our pupils enjoyed exploring the topic of rail safety using the Translink video resource and quiz activity to inspire further conversation about this important subject.
“Our school is situated near the railway line and ‘Rail Cool Rules’ is a quick and engaging way to raise awareness about safe and responsible behaviour when using train services, especially as pupils prepare to head into secondary level education. We would recommend other schools take part in the new campaign and bring rail safety into the classroom.”
For further information visit www.translink.co.uk/railcoolrules and follow Translink socials #RailCoolRules .
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