Light rail training: Best practices as a basis for safe operation

The prevention of accidents involving light rail/ tram cars is an ongoing responsibility for all those in charge of road safety, especially operators. The licensing process, initial and continuing training of light rail/tram drivers and supervisory staff must meet the statutory requirements and be of the most up-to-date standard in order to adapt to quickly changing environments.

It is the responsibility of light rail/tram car’s driver to follow the traffic and other operational regulations in line-of-sight driving. The selection of employees and their training have to be geared towards the prevention of accidents and violations of rules.

As the majority of accidents involving tramways are caused by the misbehaviour of third-parties (85%-95%), it needs special attention over the course of the entire training.

UITP has also recently published another Knowledge Brief regarding safety in operations focusing on regional and suburban rail.  Entitled 'The Human Factors of Safety', this paper observes the positive and adverse effects of the human factor, types of human failures, intrinsic and extrinsic factors that influence the human factor, and asks public transport operators to consider a risk management framework.

About UITP

UITP (Union Internationale des Transports Publics) is the International Association of Public Transport and a passionate champion of sustainable urban mobility. It is the only worldwide network to bring together all public transport stakeholders and all sustainable transport modes. We are working to enhance quality of life and economic well-being by supporting and promoting sustainable transport in urban areas worldwide. Every day we make a difference for our members and for the wider sustainable transport community.