Heads up, play it safe around Sydney light rail
Motorists, cyclists and pedestrians are reminded to be alert as testing ramps up on Sydney’s light rail corridor, ahead of commuter services commencing in December 2019.
Driver training has increased in the CBD with up to 12 trams operating on the corridor, day and night, seven days a week. Tram testing will soon begin for the first time in Kingsford and Kensington.
New safety videos have been launched by Transport for NSW to remind drivers to be aware around the light rail as part of the Heads up, play it safe around light rail campaign.
An NRMA report found that more than one third of pedestrians crossed busy intersections while distracted by their smartphones or wearing earphones, a risk that can have devastating consequences.
Road users are mistakenly entering the tram corridor at busy intersections, including those around Pitt Street and Eddy Avenue at Central Station, and at Devonshire Street and Bourke Street in Surry Hills.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Transport Andrew Constance are urging people to take more care around the new light rail corridor.
“It’s an exciting time for Sydney as the countdown begins to the first passenger services from Randwick to Circular Quay, but it’s also a timely reminder for pedestrians and drivers to be vigilant,” Ms Berejiklian said.
Mr Constance said drivers need to be mindful not to queue across intersections and always follow traffic signals along the light rail corridor.
“We know people are getting used to having trams around, but we really need everyone to be mindful of the tram corridor when turning at intersections, and if you end up on the tracks, drive or ride carefully to the next cross street and exit safely,” Mr Constance said.