It’s been seven years since Canberra first got light rail, but it seems people still aren’t aware of the vehicles. Photo: CED.
Heavy trains or light rail, motorist or passenger, the same message is repeated year after year: Pause. Look. Listen.
It’s the 20th National Rail Safety Week and everyone has been asked to remember their responsibilities while on or around any vehicles that travel on tracks.
TrackSAFE Foundation board director Caroline Wilkie said the past 20 years had highlighted the importance of rail safety, both within the industry and across the community.
“As we mark this milestone, we must remember that rail safety needs to be a daily focus for all of us living or working near rail networks,” she said.
“Whether we work in rail or use rail in our daily lives, we all need to be aware of the tracks, look for trains, trams and light rail vehicles, and follow signposted rules.”
Between 2016 and 2024, there were 420 fatalities, injuries and near-hits involving rail in NSW that were reported to the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator.
Breaking down these numbers further, 28 deaths were caused by trespassers being struck by a train and seven by a vehicle being struck by a train at a railway crossing.
Eighty-four people suffered serious injuries, another 84 had minor injuries, and 63 were lucky to escape unscathed.
One hundred fifty people’s deaths are suspected or confirmed suicides.
Since light rail began in the ACT (including during testing and commission), there have been 22 collisions and 50 near-misses. No light-rail fatalities have been recorded.
There were two deaths associated with heavy rail in Canberra between 2001 and 2024.
Transport Canberra light rail operations executive branch manager George Vallance said all passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, e-scooter riders and motorists had a role in staying rail safe.
“A single moment of distraction can change everything,” he said.
“This week is an important reminder that Canberrans understand their responsibility to ensure their own safety, and the safety of others on and around light rail.
“This means staying behind the yellow line on light rail platforms, stopping to look both ways before you cross the tracks and avoiding any distractions, including putting away phones and taking off headphones when moving around platforms – these precautions could save your life.”
Representatives from the rail industry will gather at the Australian Railway Monument at Werris Creek in northern NSW on 13 August for a memorial service.
TrackSAFE Foundation executive director Heather Neil described every death or injury on the rail network as “devastating”.
“Not just for the family and friends impacted, but also for rail workers involved in the incident and the first responders called upon in the rescue effort,” she said.
“Fatalities, incidents and near hits on the network can cause severe and lasting trauma to the rail employees involved, and most of these incidents can be avoided.”
The TrackSAFE Foundation’s city campaigns are reminding passengers to take off headphones, look up from their phones, stand behind the safety line and hold onto handrails as ways to keep safe on rail platforms.
Advice for road users includes being aware of traffic signals, intersections and road line markings when driving near the tracks, and for cyclists to avoid braking on rail tracks.
If this story has raised issues for you, free 24/7 crisis support service is available from Lifeline by calling 13 11 14 or texting 0477 13 11 14, or contact Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.
