Eight tips help passengers avoid falls on trams and buses

Passengers are more likely to fall when standing than when seated on public transport, and the Zurich transport operator VBZ recorded about 500 passenger accidents last year while boarding, getting off or travelling. SRF reports that the VBZ offers prevention courses and recommends eight ways to travel more safely.

Board at the front if you need help

Passengers who need assistance boarding should use the front door, where it is easiest to contact the driver. VBZ safety officer Beat Meyer says the driver can then spot more quickly when someone needs help.

Hold on

Drivers cannot always wait for everyone to sit down before setting off. Sudden braking can also happen as a vehicle approaches a stop. Meyer’s advice is to board and hold on. Passengers who stand should keep hold of a pole throughout the journey.

Sit down as soon as you can

Many accidents happen shortly after passengers board. If you find a seat, sit down rather than walking through the vehicle. Meyer recommends boarding near the seat you want. If a bag is occupying a seat, ask if you can sit there. A seat is the best protection against a fall.

Stay seated while the vehicle is moving

Passengers should wait until the tram or bus has stopped before changing seats. Meyer says doing so prevents many accidents.

Secure your rollator

An unsecured rollator can slide during an emergency stop. Passengers using one should secure it in a designated space and, if possible, take a seat. Many buses have fixtures for fastening rollators.

Stand securely

Passengers who are standing should distribute their weight across both legs and hold on firmly. Meyer says many people stand while using their phones without holding on, making it easy to lose their balance if the vehicle brakes suddenly.

Use the wheelchair button if you need more time

Bus and tram doors can close quickly, which may be stressful, particularly for older passengers. Meyer says anyone can press the wheelchair button: it keeps the doors open longer and signals to the driver that someone needs more time to board.

Position a pushchair correctly

Meyer says one or two accidents happen each month in which a child falls from a pushchair or the pushchair tips over. The VBZ recommends placing it in the designated space, securing it and positioning it facing opposite the direction of travel so it is less likely to move during braking.

The advice was shared by the VBZ in regular prevention courses.