GB Railfreight (GBRf) will now deliver and support the Rail Safe Friendly education programme in 150 UK schools.

As part of Rail Safety Week, Learn Live and Rail Safe Friendly Managing Director Stuart Heaton presented GB Railfreight’s Chief Executive Officer, John Smith, with a Rail Safe Friendly Gold Disc to signify the gold-level partnership between the organisations.

Since its launch in March 2023, Rail Safe Friendly has been using digital education provider Learn Live to deliver Network Rail’s video safety content about railway trespassing directly to schools, as well as promote general rail safety awareness.

Since 2019, Learn Live has reached over 21 million young people.

GB Railfreight has already provided Rail Safe Friendly to 65 UK schools, reaching approximately 33,000 youngsters, but will now intensify its efforts to promote rail safety to even more young people.

Kathryn Darbandi attended the ceremony as Managing Director of Caledonian Sleeper, which also became an official member of Rail Safe Friendly.

Last Month, rail delivery consultancy, SLC Rail, joined the Rail Safe Friendly programme.

As CEO of GB Railfreight and a father, I deeply care about keeping everyone safe around the railway. The thought of my sons being caught up in an incident is mine and every parent’s worst nightmare. The railway is a dangerous place, just like the road, and we need to educate as many young people as possible. I am proud that we’ve stepped up today to be a gold level member of this great initiative.

John Smith, Chief Executive Officer of GB Railfreight

We are delighted to welcome GB Railfreight and Caledonian Sleeper to the RSF programme. Through their support, we will be able to reach even more children with vital rail safety awareness with the aim of saving lives and preventing injuries on the country’s rail network and in yards, depots and sidings.

Stuart Heaton, Managing Director of Rail Safe Friendly and Learn Live