Testing and Commissioning – Safety of the System

Before the Gold Coast light rail system is open to the public it goes through a rigorous testing programme. This is done to ensure that the system operates in the way that it was intended and so any changes can be made without disrupting passengers. Everything will be tested from the electrical power to the tram, traffic light interfaces and ticketing machines to the tram door buttons, information screens and our processes and procedures.

Commissioning is the process of acceptance; that the testing has been completed and the system is safe to commence a normal passenger operation as a light rail service.

Living with Trams – Safety of your environment

Light rail is new to the Gold Coast and so it will be important to remember the road rules of looking both ways before crossing the road and now the light rail tracks.

Trams are very quiet, especially against the normal urban background noises, so please don’t expect to hear them coming. Pedestrians will need to remain alert when they are in an area where a tram or other traffic may be running. Staying alert will ensure pedestrians do not to inadvertently step in front of the tram.

The trams will have a bell and the driver will sound this if they see pedestrians are about to put themselves in danger. The tram will also have an emergency brake which the Driver can operate to try and stop the tram before hitting something or someone. However, by applying the emergency brake this will mean that the passengers on-board the trams get jolted forward, similar to when you brake hard in a car.

When the system is up and running, signage will be installed to remind pedestrians that they are now travelling alongside a light rail service. New signs which will use pictures of a tram, with stop or caution, will appear on the roads and light rail network. Pedestrians will also see signs to remind them to look for trams at certain pedestrian crossings.

Travelling on the light rail – Safety Whilst Travelling

CCTV will be operational throughout the light rail system and this will be monitored at our Control Centre by our Controllers.

Help buttons will be on each of our stations and will link passengers directly to a member of staff in the control centre.

When travelling on the tram it is important that passengers hold onto the handrails provided or sit down before the tram departs the station and whilst the tram is in motion. The Driver may need to stop the tram quickly to avoid an accident and if he/she has to do this it may make passengers lose their footing and fall, as the vehicle will jolt.

Emergency call buttons are located within the tram and pressing one of these will connect passengers with the driver, so they can explain the emergency.

Station platforms will provide shelter from the sun and rain and the platforms and tram floors will have an anti-slip surface. When waiting for the tram passengers will need to wait behind the line that will be painted on the platform and wait for people to get off the tram before they try to get onto the tram.