Travelling with prams and young children

Sydney Metro is a fully accessible railway.

All metro stations are accessible via lifts. Metro trains are accessible for passengers travelling with a pram and  all carriages are single-deck.

There is level access between platforms and carriages for prams and strollers. This means no ‘step’ into a carriage.

Metro platforms have automated screen doors that keep people and objects away from the tracks. Flashing lights and sounding chimes let you know when metro doors are opening and closing.

Each carriage has two multi-purpose areas for prams, luggage and bikes. If you need assistance you can approach staff or use a video help point at a metro station.

Board the train near the guard's compartment so staff can see that you and your child or children are safely on board before signalling to close the train doors.

Regional trains

On Regional trains, baby strollers, prams and capsules are classed as hand luggage.

You may be required to fold up your pram and store it in the appropriate area.

Each Regional train has a fold down baby change table. Onboard staff can show you where it is.

Find more information about family fares and travelling with children on regional services.

Some buses can be lowered by the driver so they are closer to the kerb. If needed, the bus driver can also extend the accessible ramp to help passengers board the bus.

Accessible buses have specific accessible areas for prams and wheelchairs near the front of the bus, which will allow children to remain in the pram while on board.

If the accessible door is the centre door, you will need to advise the driver that you wish to board via the centre door.

The bus driver will wait until you have boarded, the pram is secure and you are safely seated before moving.

When securing your pram:

• Ensure you have the pram secured and children strapped in with the pram brake on.
• The front of the pram must be facing towards the back of the bus and be in firm contact with the panel or bar behind it.
• Attach the tether or restraining device provided through the pram handle as high as possible for maximum stability.
• Remove all shopping, luggage or items that are hanging from the pram handles so the pram does not fall over. You can place them in the luggage rack, hold them or place them under your seat.

You'll need to fold your pram or stroller and store it in the luggage rack if:

• The bus driver advises that there is not enough space on board the bus to safely park the pram.
• It is not a wheelchair accessible bus.
• The designated accessible area is already occupied or it is required throughout the trip.

In those circumstances, you will need to fold the pram away and store it out of the way of others and find a seat. The children in your care will need to be seated with you. It is not safe to stand and carry a child while the bus is moving. Alternatively, you can wait for the next accessible bus.

Follow instructions from the crew, who will ensure that you are safely on board.

• Always supervise children on wharves and ferries.
• If they are not in a pram always hold their hand or guide them to use the handrails when moving across the gangway or on board.
• Remain seated on board – the ferry can move and sway if water conditions change.
• Do not sit on the bow or the side of the ferry.
• Do not lean out of the windows or stand on seats.
• Do not sit children on the rails or on your shoulders.

If you have any concerns or need assistance, ask transport staff to assist.

Always keep a safe distance from light rail vehicles:

• Do not push your pram or stroller along a light rail track.
• Always cross tracks at designated crossings, and when crossing push your pram or stroller at a right angle to avoid wheels getting stuck in the groove.
• Never cross directly in front of or behind a light rail vehicle, even if they seem stationary. Light rail vehicles are very quiet and might take off or break at any times.
• Do not stop on the light rail track.

Travelling safely onboard light rail services

• Keep young children close to you and hold their hand when at a light rail stop or on board.

On the platform

• Be ready to board before the service approaches, to avoid getting caught between the doors.
• Keep the light rail vehicles’ doors clear to allow customers to board and alight.

Boarding and alighting 

• Never enter the front or back single doors with a pram or stroller.
• Board and alight through the double doors near the middle of the light rail vehicle.
• Mind the gap between the platform edge and light rail vehicle when boarding or alighting.

When onboard

• Always keep the aisles clear.
• Hold onto your child/ren at all times: light rail services can move or brake suddenly to avoid a safety hazard.
• Beware of your surroundings and be prepared to alight as you are approaching your stop, to avoid getting caught between the doors.
• Stay away from the door of the driver’s cabin to allow for staff’s safe and prompt movements in and out of their cabin.

On the L1 Dulwich Hill Line

• Be mindful of the level difference between platforms and light rail vehicle’s floors.

In crowded conditions

• Consider waiting for the next service if it is crowded. It may not be safe to board the light rail.
• Fold your pram (if your child can walk) or stroller to allow for extra space for others with accessibility needs.