CMET have seen an increase in the number of customers who have fallen when travelling onboard a light rail vehicle (LRV). Most falls involve older adults. This usually occurs because they are not prepared for the initial platform departure movement and failing to hold on when the LRV is moving.
In December, we joined up with the Council on the Ageing ACT (COTA ACT) team, to remind our passengers of the importance of always holding on when travelling on the light rail. We invited Seniors groups and retirement villages from around Canberra to our Alinga stop, for a ‘Come and Try’ day. COTA ACT Active Ageing Coordinator, Diane Percy, reminded our groups the importance of maintaining physical activity and staying active especially as we get older. “If we don’t keep active and strengthen our body, moving freely becomes harder and muscles can become weaker. Our everyday and lifestyle activities can become more challenging to do. Have a look at some exercise options on the COTA website https://www.cotaact.org.au/programs/s4l/ to help you to stay fit to travel,” Diane has advised.
When travelling on the light rail it’s especially important for older adults to:
- Hold onto a handrail, hand strap or seat back as the LRV may break suddenly.
- If a seat is not available maintain you balance and footing. The best position is to keep your feet shoulder-width apart and stand strong.
- Be prepared for the LRV to depart and hold on until it comes to a stop.
A big thank you to everyone who helped promote this activity, including COTA ACT, Andante Andante Choir, Salvation Army Gungahlin and O Christmas Trio choir.
If you or your community group are interested in a tour of the Light Rail Depot, please contact info@cmet.com.au for a booking.