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Schools in the Parramatta area have been preparing their students to use the light rail—with Parramatta Public School leading the way through a whole-school excursion.

Before heading off, students learned some important facts about trams to help keep them safe. For example, a tram carriage weighs as much as five elephants, and because they are so heavy, trams cannot stop quickly. Students also discovered that while trams are big, they are surprisingly quiet, which means it’s important to always Stop! Look! Listen! Think! around the light rail.

Teachers reported that students were highly engaged and eager to put their classroom knowledge into practice. During the excursion, students practised tapping on and off, safely boarding and alighting carriages, and travelling with care around other passengers. They also had the chance to put key road safety behaviours into action, including:

• Always remembering to Stop! Look! Listen! Think! when crossing roads or tracks
• Holding a grown-up’s hand when crossing until at least 8 years old
• Using safe places to cross—such as pedestrian crossings where available
• Taking extra care around trams and tracks, as trams can’t stop quickly and may not always see you
• Avoiding crossing directly behind a tram, as other road users may not be able to see you
• Putting away mobile devices and removing headphones before crossing

By combining explicit teaching with hands-on experience, Parramatta Public School is equipping its students with lifelong travel skills. The program is giving students the confidence to use public transport safely and independently—not only for school journeys, but as a foundation for safe travel throughout their lives.

If your school is near the light rail and would like support please contact your local Road Safety ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø Officer.