While bringing a new baby into the world comes with certain challenges, it doesn’t mean that life as you know it needs to change entirely. This goes for public transport. So, the answer is “yes” if you’ve been wondering if you’re allowed to take a pram or stroller on a train.
However, each railway company has its own policies and rules, so it’s important to do some research ahead of your journey. That’s what we’ll be looking at today, as well as offering some useful tips on travelling with a pram on a train and safety measures you need to consider.
Key Points
- Most public transport companies allow prams in the train carriage.
- Each railway company has its own policies and rules on travelling with pram.
- Parents should always reference the company’s website to find the most current safety tips and regulations.
- When travelling with a pram, parents should always be aware of other passengers travelling.
Content in this article:
- Can You Take A Pram On A Train?
- What Are The Railway Company Pram Policies In Australia?
- How To Safely Get A Pram On A Train?
- How To Make Travelling With A Pram On A Train Easier?
Can You Take A Pram On A Train?
The short answer to this is yes. Most railway companies and train stations allow you to take a pram or stroller on board, as well as having certain facilities to make navigating your journey much easier. However, as with any kind of travel, it is essential that you check your chosen train network’s policies in advance, as each has its own rules.
Some, for example, may require the pram to be folded before and throughout your journey, while others may ask that the stroller be stored in a luggage compartment to leave the exits clear.
What Are The Railway Company Pram Policies In Australia?
We understand that you’re a busy parent, so to make things easier, we’ve done some of the work for you. Below, you’ll find pram policies for each of Australia’s major railway companies.
Queensland Rail Pram Policy
Here’s what you need to know about Queensland Rail’s pram policy:
- Prams and strollers are permitted on all train services
- Strollers must be parked in the priority seating area of the train
- Your pram must be parked in the designated wheelchair space with its brakes on if the train service running does not have a priority seating area
- Your child must be secured in their pram using their stroller harness
- Prams occupying designated wheelchair spaces must be moved if needed by a person using a wheelchair
Sydney Trains Pram Policy
Here’s what you need to know about Sydney Trains’ pram policy:
- Prams, strollers, and pushchairs are permitted on all train services
- Prams, strollers, and capsules are classed as hand luggage on all regional trains
- Where possible, prams must be folded and stored in the luggage area
- Children in non-collapsible prams must be secured in place with their stroller harness
- Strollers must be kept out of the way of other passengers and staff, and doorways and corridors must be kept clear
Keolis Downer (Adelaide Metro) Pram Policy
Here’s what you need to know about Keolis Downer (Adelaide Metro’s) pram policy:
- Prams, strollers, and pushchairs are permitted on all train services
- Strollers must not be parked in an aisle or in a way that blocks passenger or staff movement
- Priority seating areas are offered for parents travelling with a pram
- Pram stores and designated luggage areas are available and should be used if available on your service
Transperth Pram Policy
Here’s what you need to know about Transperth’s pram policy:
- Prams, strollers, and pushchairs are permitted on all train services
- Both buses and trains run by Transperth have priority areas for parents with prams
- Where possible, prams should be folded down
- Children riding in their pram must be secured in place with the pram’s harness
- Entrances, exits, and walkways must be kept clear to allow other passengers and staff to move freely
Metro Trains Melbourne Pram Policy
Here’s what you need to know about Metro Train Melbourne’s pram policy:
- Prams and strollers are permitted on all Metro Trains Melbourne services with no additional charge
- Parking brakes must be applied throughout if you are unable to fold your stroller down
- Aisles, exits, and entrances must be kept clear for passengers and staff
- Ramps can be attached to a train if you are unable to lift your pram onto the train
- Children riding inside the pram must be secured in place with a harness
- Children outside of the pram must have their hand held or placed on your lap throughout the journey
Journey Beyond Pram Policy
Here’s what you need to know about Journey Beyond’s pram policy:
- Journey Beyond permits prams and strollers on all services
- Priority seating is offered for parents travelling with prams
- Prams should be folded if possible and kept out of the way of entrances, exits, and aisles
- Children riding inside their stroller must be secured with the pram’s harness
NSW TrainLink Pram Policy
Here’s what you need to know about NWS Trainlink’s pram policy:
- Prams, pushchairs, and strollers are permitted on all services with no additional charge
- Children must be secured into their pram
- Parking brakes must be applied at all times
- Prams, strollers, and capsules are classed as hand luggage and, where possible, should be folded and stored in the luggage area
Transwa Pram Policy
Here’s what you need to know about Transwa’s pram policy:
- Prams are permitted on all Transwa rail services
- Where possible, strollers should be folded and placed in the checked luggage and shopping bags area
- Strollers and pushchairs should be labelled with your name, phone number, and destination
- Walkways, exits, and entrances must be kept clear if your pram cannot be folded and stored away
V/Line Pram Policy
Here’s what you need to know about V/Line’s pram policy:
- Strollers, prams, and pushchairs are allowed on all V/Line train services
- Prams should be folded down and stored in the designated luggage rack if possible
- Designated seating is available on most services for parents travelling with prams
- Prams should be kept out of the way of exits, entrances, and aisles to allow staff and passengers to move freely
How To Safely Get A Pram On A Train?
Travelling with a pram comes with certain safety challenges, especially if you’re travelling solo. So, to keep both yourself and your baby as safe as possible, follow these safety tips.
Apply The Parking Brake
Whenever you’re stationary, you should ensure your pram’s parking brake is applied at all times. This will allow you to safely park it on the train and prevent it from moving if your child is wriggling around.
Use Accessible Areas
Many train stations have a designated pram space or wheelchair space that is also available for parents with strollers. Using these spaces will allow you to board the train ahead of other passengers so you can settle in safely before departing.
Be Patient
During peak hours, you may find that a train is overcrowded and, as such, you may not have enough room to board with your child and pram safely. In this case, it’s always best to be patient and wait for the next service. Better yet, plan ahead if possible and avoid travelling when services are reported as being busy.
Keep Away From The Edge
While waiting for your train to arrive at the platform, make sure you and your stroller are parked with the brakes on behind the line. You should also park with your pram parallel to the platform as, should the brakes suddenly fail, the stroller won’t roll onto the tracks.
Use Your Pram’s Features
Many strollers have certain features that are perfect for travelling on a train. For example, some have extra safety measures, such as a tether or restraining device or a wrist strap that allows you to keep your pram securely held in place while in a luggage rack, while others are designed to fold down and pop up using just one hand for ultimate convenience.
Ask For Help
Don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed, especially if you’re travelling as a single parent. Be sure to make the train driver aware of your presence and ask for assistance if you need help getting your pram onto the train.
How To Make Travelling With A Pram On A Train Easier?
As with anything in life, organisation is the key to making life easier. This is especially true when travelling with a young child and trying to manoeuvre a pram around a train station! To make travelling with a pram much easier, follow these tips.
Check The Rail Service Provider’s Pram Policy
We’ve outlined these above, but make sure you check the pram policy for the train company you’ve booked with, as some have a designated appropriate area for travelling with a pram. Some will also require you to fold your pram flat, so if you have a travel stroller, it may be easier to use that for your trip.
Consider Changing Prams
Consider buying a lightweight pram that is easier to fold, store, and carry in small spaces if you are a frequent traveller. The safest way to enter a train is by lifting the front wheels over the gap and pushing your baby through the doors, and a lightweight pram or stroller will make doing this much easier.
Invest In A Pram Caddy
A pram caddy can be a great way to store items like nappies, wipes, and other essentials while on the go. With a pram caddy, the only thing you will have to focus on is the pram versus having multiple bags to rummage through. Most trains and train stations do not have a baby change table or baby change facilities, so pack the necessary tools for nappy changes.
Avoid Rush Hour
Avoid travelling during rush hour and go at a quieter time instead if possible. The carriage and platform will be much more crowded, and this may make things more stressful for you and your child.
Take Breaks
Don’t be afraid to take a break if you need one! Taking regular breaks can help make the journey more manageable by giving you and your baby a chance to rest.
Be Mindful
Be aware of other passengers and their belongings. Even a lightweight stroller can be bulky and get in the way of others, especially as passengers board, so always be mindful of everyone’s space.
Final Thoughts
Travelling with a pram on a train or any form of public transport can be a great experience for you and your little one. Not only is it convenient, but it is also a safe and cost-effective way to get around. Whether you are travelling by train or bus, always make the driver aware of your presence. This will ensure they give you more time to move on and off the train.