Sydney Light Rail Network Experiences Close Calls: Safety Reminder

The NSW government has released footage of close calls on the Sydney light rail network to remind passengers of the importance of safety. The footage shows heart-stopping near-misses and serves as a warning to passengers to be cautious when using the network. The government hopes that the footage will help prevent accidents and ensure a safe travel experience for all.

The NSW government has taken a proactive step towards enhancing safety on the Sydney light rail network by releasing footage of close calls that have occurred over the past year. The videos, part of the Rail Safety Week campaign, aim to raise awareness and educate passengers about the importance of caution when using public transportation.

The footage, which includes incidents such as a man being pulled off the tracks by his backpack and a mobility scooter zipping in front of a tram, serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers. Transport Minister John Graham emphasized the severity of these near-misses, stating, “These moments are hard to watch because in some cases there is just centimetres or milliseconds from the result being so much worse” [1].

The campaign comes in the wake of two fatal incidents involving light rail in Sydney within the past two years. In June, a pedestrian died after being trapped beneath a tram in Surry Hills, a scenario eerily similar to an incident in 2023 where a teenage girl was killed in the CBD. The incidents have prompted calls for safety upgrades from Sydney tram drivers [2].

Despite the presence of safety measures such as camera vision and yellow safety lines, the NSW government has urged passengers to stay alert and follow the rules to ensure their safety. The light rail network, which spans 25km in Sydney, 12km in Parramatta, and 3km in Newcastle, has seen 10 fatalities and around 1,000 injuries since 2016 [3].

The release of this footage is part of a broader effort to improve safety and reduce accidents on the light rail network. As the government continues to work on safety upgrades and public education campaigns, passengers are encouraged to remain vigilant and follow the rules to ensure a safe travel experience.

References:
[1] https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/aug/10/video-showing-heart-in-mouth-light-rail-near-misses-released-during-nsw-safety-campaign
[2] https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/aug/10/video-showing-heart-in-mouth-light-rail-near-misses-released-during-nsw-safety-campaign
[3] https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/aug/10/video-showing-heart-in-mouth-light-rail-near-misses-released-during-nsw-safety-campaign