Aimed at enhancing rail safety awareness, a collaborative partnership between train operator CrossCountry and the Rail Safe Friendly Programme has successfully reached over 60,000 young people across 150 schools in the UK.
Led by technology company LearnLive, the Rail Safe Friendly Programme provides virtual resources and materials on rail safety to schools, offering both live and on demand sessions. Following successful participation in the programme, schools can achieve bronze, silver or gold status.
Working with schools across the country, alongside individuals, educators and parents, the initiative aims to raise awareness of potential dangers on the railway and the impact of trespassing – and encourages individuals to navigate the network safely.
In the past year alone, the partnership has helped reach 63,735 young individuals in 150 sponsored schools with crucial rail safety awareness and understanding.
By 2027, the Rail Safe Friendly Programme hopes to have all UK schools enrolled in the programme to ensure every child and young person is well equipped to travel on trains safely.
Alex Bray, Stakeholder Liaison Manager at CrossCountry, commented: “The Rail Safe Friendly Programme has played a crucial role in addressing the pressing issues surrounding rail safety. We have identified several hotspots where incidents are prevalent, particularly noting a troubling rise in trespassing among young people.
“Trespassing poses significant risks not only to the individuals involved but also disrupts the entire railway system, affecting countless others who rely on safe and efficient train services.
“The programme serves as an excellent initiative for sharing vital information about rail safety. By working with various stakeholders, we can strengthen our outreach efforts and ultimately contribute to saving lives.”
Stuart Heaton, Managing Director of Learn Live and Rail Safe Friendly, added: “Thanks to our partnership with CrossCountry, we’re reaching hundreds of schools across the UK and equipping young people with the essential knowledge and strategies to travel safely on the railway.
We’re hugely grateful for the continued support from CrossCountry to help us raise awareness of an important issue”.
To find out how you can support the Rail Safe Friendly Programme and for free resources, please visit: www.railsafefriendly.com.
Contact Information
CrossCountry Press Office
[email protected]About CrossCountry
CrossCountry is a long-distance passenger train operator, with a network stretching from Aberdeen to Penzance and from Stansted to Cardiff and calling at over 100 stations. Based in Birmingham, CrossCountry connects seven of Britain’s 10 largest cities and delivers 240 services every weekday, equating to over 42 million passenger journeys each year.
For further information on CrossCountry services, visit crosscountrytrains.co.uk or visit one of our social media platforms via X @crosscountryuk or Facebook at facebook.com/crosscountrytrains
Long-distance train operator CrossCountry has announced adjustments to its timetable from 14 December, as part of the rail industry’s twice-yearly timetable review.
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- CrossCountry will operate a reduced timetable over the Bank Holiday weekend – with no services on Saturday 23 August - due to industrial action by the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT)
- Services on Sunday 24 August are also likely to be subject to cancellations across all CrossCountry routes
- Passengers are advised not to travel on Saturday 23 August and to travel on either side of the Bank Holiday weekend, or claim a full refund
