Canberrans are being reminded to pay attention when travelling around the light rail, as a new video of near misses emerges in time for Rail Safety Week, 10-16 August.
ACT Transport Minister Chris Steel shared the video to his social media on Sunday night, reminding the public to take responsibility for their actions around the public transport system.
“Even though we’re asking the community to avoid public transport in peak times due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the light rail remains an important part of the daily routine for many Canberrans who use it to and from their work,” he said.
“It’s vital that Canberrans take important steps to be safe when they are near a light rail vehicle. It’s as easy as being aware of our surroundings to reduce the risk of being involved in an accident or a near miss.”
Rail Safety Week is held annually across Australia and New Zealand, as an initiative from TrackSAFE to remind communities to be mindful of safe rail practices.
Mr Steel’s social media post was accompanied by reminders for travelling around the light rail, including not walking across the tracks, limiting distractions such as mobile phone and headphone use, and obeying traffic light and road signs.
He also reminded those riding the light rail to be aware of unexpected braking during these near misses.
“People should never in any situation walk along the tracks and they should only cross at the designated walkways. Road users are also reminded to check their blind spots, particularly to their right, before crossing the light rail tracks,” he said.
“Passengers travelling in light rail vehicles should take a seat if there is one available or hold onto one of the regularly sanitised handrails or straps as vehicles can brake unexpectedly.”
More information about Rail Safety Week can be found online.
