News Safety

Safety First! in Portugal: Preparing Future Passengers for Safer Journeys

On September 09, 2026

Safety First! Portugal Prepares Children for Safer Bus Travel

Transdev Portugal organized a road safety awareness initiative for Year 4 pupils preparing to travel more independently by bus.
The sessions focused on safe boarding, disembarking and responsible behaviour on public transport.
Children learned about bus blind spots through practical demonstrations and simulations.
The initiative supports the development of safe travel habits and greater confidence among future passengers.
The programme reflects Transdev’s Safety First! commitment to making every journey safer through education and prevention.

Safety First! is Transdev Group's number one priority. As part of its commitment to creating safer journeys for everyone, Transdev Portugal carried out a road safety awareness initiative for Year 4 pupils who are approaching an important milestone in their schoollives.

As many of these children will soon move to a new school and begin travelling independently by bus, the initiative focused on helping them understand how to use public transport safely and confidently.

During the session, Transdev teams explained the key safety rules for travelling on board a bus, from boarding and disembarking safely to adopting responsible behaviour throughout the journey. The objective was to equip children with practical knowledge that they can apply in their everyday lives as they become more independent users of public transport.

A particular focus was placed on raising awareness of bus blind spots. Through practical examples and simulations, children learned what blind spots are, why they can be dangerous, and how to behave safely when approaching, boarding, or walking around a bus.

By turning safety lessons into interactive experiences, the initiative made learning more engaging while helping children better understand the risks around them.

Learning Safety Early Makes a Difference

Developing safe habits from an early age plays a crucial role in preventing accidents and building confidence when using public transport.

For children who are beginning to travel more independently, understanding how to behave around vehicles, recognising potential risks, and following basic safety rules can make a significant difference to their daily journeys.

That is why educational initiatives remain an important part of Transdev's Safety First! approach. By providing young passengers with the knowledge they need to stay safe, we help create more aware, responsible, and confident travellers.

The session in Portugal demonstrates how practical learning and awareness can help transform safety messages into everyday behaviours that stay with children long after the activity itself.

Safety First!: A Shared Responsibility

Across the Transdev Group, safety principles are implemented in each country through the Golden Rules, translating them into concrete actions and everyday behaviours. Whether through training sessions, awareness campaigns, or educational activities within the communities we serve, our goal remains the same: to protect people and make every journey safer.

The initiative in Portugal highlights the importance of preparing future passengers to travel safely and responsibly. By helping children understand risks before they encounter them, we contribute to building safer communities for everyone.

Safety, however, does not stop once passengers have safely boarded a vehicle. One of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of injury in the event of a sudden stop, collision, or unexpected incident is to wear a seat belt whenever one is available.

Raising awareness of seat belt use is an essential part of creating safer journeys for everyone. Whether travelling occasionally or every day, making it a habit to fasten a seat belt can make a significant difference and helps protect both passengers and those around them.

Learn more about the importance of wearing a seat belt on every bus journey by watching the awareness video.

What was the purpose of the Safety First! initiative in Portugal?

The initiative aimed to help Year 4 pupils understand how to use public transport safely as they prepare to travel more independently by bus.

Who participated in the road safety awareness sessions?

The programme was designed for Year 4 schoolchildren who are approaching a transition to a new school and greater travel independence.

What safety topics were covered during the sessions?

Children learned how to board and leave a bus safely, follow responsible behaviour on board and recognize potential risks during their journeys.

Why were bus blind spots a key focus of the programme?

Blind spots can prevent drivers from seeing people near the vehicle. The sessions helped children understand these risks and adopt safer behaviours around buses.

How did Transdev Portugal make the learning experience engaging?

The initiative used practical examples and simulations to help children better understand safety concepts and apply them in real-life situations.

Why is learning transport safety at an early age important?

Developing safe habits early can help prevent accidents, increase confidence and encourage responsible use of public transport.

How does this initiative support Transdev’s Safety First! approach?

It translates Transdev’s safety principles into practical community action by educating future passengers and promoting safer everyday travel behaviours.