Rail safety education programme launched

Photo / APNZ

A rail safety education school programme has been launched today -- something seen as especially important in Auckland, with its introduction of new fast and quiet electric trains.

The resources were launched by the Associate Transport Minister Michael Woodhouse at Newmarket Primary School in Auckland.

The programme would help children learn to stay safe near trains and tracks, particularly in the Auckland region, New Zealand Transport Agency's director of rail Celia Patrick said.

"The introduction of electric trains into our biggest city brings with it significant safety risks, so it is a good time for schools to be considering including rail safety into their yearly curriculum planning," Ms Patrick said.

The new electric trains will be quieter and faster and will be powered by overhead wires carrying electrical energy 100 times more powerful than what is used in houses.

"This electricity can jump or arc across the air -- a remarkable fact that has implications for safety."

The resources were also relevant to schools in rural or other urban non-electrified areas, Ms Patrick said.

They had learning experiences which were linked to the New Zealand curriculum in Levels 1 to 4 in English, Science, Maths and Social Sciences, she said.

Newmarket School principal Wendy Kofoed said the resources focussed on the concept of citizenship.

"For example, as part of their learning students may be asked to describe and explain what actions citizens need to take to keep everyone safe around the rail network, and back up their opinions with reasons and evidence."

TrackSAFE NZ manager Megan Drayton said the rail safety charity was delighted that schools had access to such a valuable resource.

"International best practice notes that the best way support students to learn and take action about road and rail safety is to contextualise this learning within the school curriculum.

"We're excited to see that some schools are already choosing rail safety as a priority and look forward to assisting more schools with their safety programmes," she said.