Greater Manchester on track with rail safety

A week of action, aimed at reinforcing vital safety messages around rail and light rail, is being supported this week across Greater Manchester.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), tram operator KeolisAmey Metrolink (KAM), Network Rail and train operating companies are taking part in Rail Safety Week, which runs until 8 July.

The national campaign was launched with a special awareness-raising event at Manchester Piccadilly station today on Monday 2 July.

Visitors were able to try their hand at the tram driving simulator used to train Metrolink drivers, enabling them to experience and understand the daily challenges facing drivers, such as inclement weather conditions, poor visibility and navigation through highly pedestrianised areas.

Operator representatives were also present to provide useful information on rail safety. Further events will take place at Victoria on Tuesday, Altrincham on Thursday and Manchester Airport on Friday.

The events reinforce the work already done on a daily basis by TfGM, KAM, Network Rail and train operators to make the networks as safe as possible.

People can also help to keep themselves as safe as possible by remembering a few simple practices, such as remaining vigilant around rail and tram tracks and not becoming distracted by mobile phones.

The work builds on TfGM’s recent safety campaign that sought to promote safety, with large parts of the Metrolink network running through densely populated pedestrian areas and along highways. 

Caroline Whittam, Rail Operations Manager for TfGM, said: “We work closely with KAM and rail industry partners to ensure that Greater Manchester’s rail and light rail networks are kept as safe as possible.

“Initiatives such as Rail Safety Week provide an excellent opportunity to not only tell people about all the important work done behind the scenes to ensure safety, but also to remind them of some key safety tips to remember when in and around the networks.

“However, rail safety isn’t just a week-long initiative and passengers, drivers, cyclists and pedestrians alike need to play their part to help keep themselves safe all year round.”

Carole Mason, Health and Safety Manager at KeolisAmey Metrolink (KAM), said: “We hope passengers enjoy the chance to experience what it’s like to drive a tram and everything our drivers do on a daily basis to provide a safe journey for customers.

“Zero harm is our number one priority – we are committed to working with TfGM to keep Greater Manchester moving and growing safely.”

Rail Safety Week is an industry-led initiative focusing on rail safety for everyone. The aim is to engage, address, promote and bring rail safety to people’s attention for the duration of the week.