Translink Launches ‘Rail Cool Rules’ Campaign to Promote Safety Among Young People

Translink has joined forces with Rail Safe Friendly, a UK-wide accredited programme, to strengthen rail safety awareness across Northern Ireland.

The collaboration coincides with the introduction of a new initiative, ‘Rail Cool Rules’ (RCR), aimed specifically at Primary 7 pupils.

The campaign is designed to educate young people about staying safe on and around the railway. It uses an animated video featuring Translink NI Railways staff, alongside interactive classroom materials, to make learning both engaging and memorable.

Schools can now access the resources, which cover eight key safety areas: platform awareness, staying behind yellow lines, boarding and exiting trains safely, avoiding placing objects on tracks, showing respect, understanding level crossings, recognising construction site hazards, and appreciating train speeds.

Launching the initiative at Belfast Grand Central Station, Translink Group Chief Executive Chris Conway emphasised the organisation’s commitment to safety. He noted that reaching children before they move on to secondary education is crucial, as it helps instil responsible behaviour at a time when they begin to gain more independence. He also highlighted how the programme aligns with the Northern Ireland curriculum, particularly within Personal Development and Mutual Understanding.

Rail Safe Friendly Managing Director Stuart Heaton welcomed the partnership, describing it as part of a wider effort across the rail industry to make safety education more accessible. He expressed enthusiasm about working with Translink to reduce risks such as railway trespass among young people.

Oakwood Integrated Primary School in Belfast has already become the first in Northern Ireland to complete the programme using the new materials, achieving Gold standard accreditation. Teacher Maria McKenna praised the resources, noting that pupils found them engaging and informative, particularly given the school’s proximity to a railway line. She encouraged other schools to adopt the programme to help raise awareness of safe behaviours.

Further details about the campaign and resources are available on Translink’s website and social media channels under #RailCoolRules.