The tramway student ambassador program introduces children to the world of tramway planning and public transport

The Turku tramway’s student ambassador program started this week. The aim of the program is to raise awareness of the tramway and its planning, and more broadly of the importance of public transport in urban planning and in cutting emissions. The Turku tramway student ambassadors are a group of 3rd graders from schools in the vicinity of the planned tram line.

The schools in the immediate vicinity of the Satama-Varissuo tram line are participating in the student ambassador program: the Turku Normal School, the Turku International School, the Pääskyvuori School and the Turku Steiner School. One 3rd grade class from each school will act as student ambassadors for the tramway.

Age-appropriate information about trams and public transport

The student ambassador program is planned until the end of the planning phase of the tramway. The student ambassadors will have the opportunity to learn about traffic safety, do a drawing exercise and visit archaeological excavations, among other things.

“Our aim is to promote responsible lifestyle through the activities for the student ambassadors. Public transport is a sustainable form of transport and is important for a growing city.  We hope that for as many people as possible, public transport will be their preferred means of transport and a choice that is in line with their values,” says Annika Myrsky, Communications Manager at Turku Tramway.

Traffic safety event reminded of the importance of paying attention in traffic

In the first meetings with the student ambassadors this week, they learned how to cross the road safely and the route to the planned tram stop near the school. They also discussed the importance of paying attention when moving around, and of focusing on the traffic and surroundings instead of looking at your mobile phone.

”The student ambassador program is impressing. It is nice that Turku Tramway organizes these events for our students, who were very excited and asked many good questions”, says Adele Harju-Palviainen, teacher at Turku International School.

If the tramway is built, the student ambassadors will also following the construction phase and will be among the first to get on board the tram.