Translink targets P7 pupils with new ‘Rail Cool Rules’ safety campaign across Northern Ireland

Rail Cool Rules! Translink has joined forces with Rail Safe Friendly, an accredited UK-wide programme, to spread the vital message of rail safety in Northern Ireland. Pictured at the partnership launch are (L-R) Abigail, Luke and Izabel from Oakwood Integrated Primary School with Chris Conway, Translink Group Chief Executive and Kathryn Ogdin, Director of Operations, Rail Safe Friendly.

A new rail safety campaign aimed at Primary 7 pupils has been launched across Northern Ireland, as Translink steps up efforts to reduce risk and shape safer behaviour among young people before they transition to secondary school.

The initiative, titled ‘Rail Cool Rules’, forms part of a new partnership between Translink and Rail Safe Friendly - a UK-wide accredited programme focused on improving rail safety awareness among children, educators and families.

Campaign focuses on safety before independence increases

Unveiled at Belfast Grand Central Station, the campaign is designed to reach pupils at a key stage in their development - just as they begin to gain greater independence in travel and daily life.

Through a combination of animated video content featuring NI Railways staff and structured classroom activities, the programme aims to make rail safety practical, memorable and accessible for younger audiences.

The materials are now available to primary schools across Northern Ireland and cover eight core safety themes: platform safety, yellow lines, boarding and disembarking trains, dangers of objects on tracks, respect for the railway environment, level crossings, construction site awareness, and understanding train speed.

Partnership expands UK-wide safety programme into Northern Ireland

The launch also marks the extension of the Rail Safe Friendly programme into Northern Ireland, building on its existing presence in England, Scotland and Wales through the Learn Live digital news platform.

Chris Conway, Translink Group Chief Executive, said the campaign is rooted in a long-term effort to reduce incidents by influencing behaviour early.

“By reaching young people, particularly before they head off to secondary level education and enjoy more independence, we can instil safe and responsible behaviour on and around the railway and wider public transport network reducing the risk of any incidents.”

He added that safety remains central to Translink’s wider transport strategy, describing the initiative as an opportunity to “boost rail safety awareness in Northern Ireland” while supporting classroom learning.

Classroom resources linked to NI curriculum

The ‘Rail Cool Rules’ materials have been developed to align with the Northern Ireland curriculum, specifically within the Personal Development and Mutual Understanding area of learning.

Teachers are provided with ready-to-use resources designed to prompt discussion and reinforce real-world safety behaviours, helping to embed awareness in a structured educational setting.

Stuart Heaton, Managing Director of Learn Live and Rail Safe Friendly, said the partnership reflects a broader industry commitment to improving safety education.

He said the initiative aims to make railway safety “accessible to young people nationwide” while continuing efforts to reduce the risks associated with railway trespass and unsafe behaviour.

First Belfast school achieves gold accreditation

Pictured at the partnership launch are L-R Abigail, Luke and Izabel from Oakwood Integrated Primary School

Oakwood Integrated Primary School in Belfast has become the first school in Northern Ireland to complete the programme using the new resources, achieving Rail Safe Friendly Gold standard accreditation.

Teacher Maria McKenna said the materials had already made an impact in the classroom, particularly given the school’s proximity to a railway line.

“Our pupils enjoyed exploring the topic of rail safety using the Translink video resource and quiz activity to inspire further conversation about this important subject,” she said, adding that the programme is especially relevant as pupils prepare for increased independence at secondary school.

Schools encouraged to take part

Translink is encouraging schools across Northern Ireland to adopt the ‘Rail Cool Rules’ programme, with resources and further information available online.

Teachers and parents can access materials at www.translink.co.uk/railcoolrules, while additional information on the wider Rail Safe Friendly initiative is available at www.railsafefriendly.com.

Further rail safety guidance from Translink can also be found via its official website under the ‘Your Safety’ section.

The rollout signals a growing focus on early intervention and education as a means of reducing avoidable incidents on and around the railway network, with the coming months expected to see more schools integrate the programme into classroom learning.

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At a glance

• Translink has launched a new ‘Rail Cool Rules’ safety campaign targeting Primary 7 pupils

• The initiative is delivered in partnership with UK-wide Rail Safe Friendly programme

• Campaign includes animated videos and classroom activities for schools

• Eight safety topics covered including platform safety, level crossings and train speed awareness

• Aims to reach pupils before transition to secondary school and increased independence

• Oakwood Integrated Primary School in Belfast is first to achieve Gold accreditation

• Resources available online for schools, teachers and parents

• Programme expands existing rail safety education across the UK into Northern Ireland