Travel tips for riding on trains

Give yourself sufficient time to get to the station.

At the station

Safely getting through the ticket gates

Do not rush through the ticket gates as it may cause you injury including a possible slip, trip or fall.

When you successfully tap on using your Opal card or contactless payment, the gates will open to allow you to pass. There are usually wider gates available for those using mobility aids or travelling with large/bulky items or luggage.

Getting to your platform

There are network maps available and electronic departure indicator screens showing when the next train is due and which train stations it will stop at. Audio announcements are made when the train is approaching.

TIP: Make sure you are waiting on the correct platform and check it is the right train before boarding. Some stations may have trains from different service lines departing from the same platform so it is important to check the train at the platform is heading to your destination before boarding.

Factor in plenty of time to get to the right platform to board your metro or train service.

At larger metropolitan stations with platforms on multiple levels, this may require navigating steps, or escalators.

Using the lifts

If you have accessibility or mobility requirements, luggage, or a pram, use the lifts to get to and from the platform.

To find out whether the stations you are travelling through have lifts to assist you, visit the stations, stops and wharves page.

Using the escalators

If using the escalator, stand to the left and hold onto the hand rails.

Check if you are wearing or holding any items that might get caught in the escalator such as untied shoelaces, loose clothing or bag straps.

When travelling with young children, hold their hands on escalators.

On the platform

For safety, stand socially distanced, in proximity of other passengers on the platform.

On the platform, stand in an area covered by CCTV and close to Emergency Help Points.

When waiting on a train platform, always stand behind the yellow line and wait until the train has come to a complete stop before crossing over the yellow line.

Stand back to allow passengers to get off the train before you get on.

Always keep a firm hold of your mobility aid or pram at the station. Ensure the brake is on and you have parked parallel to the train tracks.

Never leave children, luggage or packages unattended on station platforms.

Most train doors and handrails are painted yellow to assist you to board safely. A warning announcement is made when train doors are closing. On some trains, this is accompanied by an electronic warning tone and a light.

Keep clear of the train doors when they are opening and closing.

Most trains will make a beeping sound to let you know the doors are opening and closing.

Getting on the train

Mind the gap when getting on and off the train.

Once on board, take a seat in socially distanced proximity of other passengers on the train or Metro where it is possible.

If no seats are available and you feel you can stand, hold onto a handrail (preferably with both hands) and place your feet hip width apart and planted on the floor, to maintain your balance.

Accessibility needs

If you need assistance boarding a train, (e.g. difficulty mobilising or have a pram), board the train near the guard's compartment so staff can see that you are safely on board before signalling to close the train doors.

There are specially assigned accessible seats available on trains, which are generally located near the entry of the carriage and should be offered to those passengers who may need it most, including the elderly, pregnant women, those with mobility needs or parents with prams.

If all accessibility seats are taken and it appears that someone without accessibility needs is using the seat, it is OK to ask them to consider offering you their seat.

In addition to applying the brakes, keep a hold of prams or personal mobility equipment when on board as train services can move suddenly.

While the train is moving

Keep your head, arms and legs clear of the aisle when seated.

Try to avoid moving between carriages while a train is moving. If you need to, always take care doing so.

If you are standing or walking through the carriage, it is important to maintain your balance whilst the train is moving. Depending on your situation, It is generally suggested you have a firm hold of a handrail and keep your feet hip width apart and planted on the floor to maintain your balance.

When the train is coming to your stop, prepare to alight from the train. If you need extra time to alight, you might want to consider sitting near the exit doors or making your way to the exit prior to getting to your designated station. Always make sure you are

Never attempt to get on or off a moving train or try to force the carriage doors open.

In an emergency situation

If you are concerned about your safety or others:

Refer to your Backup plan - which will advise you to:

• Call 000 if it is an emergency.

• Move away from the danger, possibly into another carriage

Learn more about creating a backup plan

You can use the Emergency Help Points to alert transport staff and listen for instructions.

If you feel unsafe, you can use the Emergency Help Button to get help from a transport operator. Where you are concerned about your safety from other commuters on the train, you can go to the guard’s compartment and ask for help.

If you do not know where you are, you can use the Emergency Help button to get assistance because the transport operator can identify the carriage you are on and see you on live CCTV. They can call for assistance at the next station.

Generally it may be safer to stay on the train until you know there is someone to help you when you get off the train because if you get off the train, you do not know if it is manned station or if there will be someone who will be able to help you.

In most emergency situations requiring evacuation it is safer to remain in the train and follow instructions from the transport staff. Use emergency door releases on newer trains only if immediate evacuation becomes necessary. If the train is evacuated, go to a safe place off the tracks, but stay nearby so emergency workers can locate you.