Central Coast rail commuters are being reminded to put their phones away, be careful on train station platforms and take their time while travelling on the network during Rail Safety Week.
There were 2,030 incidents on the rail network in the past year, with 993 people injured on escalators, in lifts, on platforms and concourses, on stairs and ramps, or getting on and off the train.
The highest number came from slips, trips and falls as passengers rushed for their train or were distracted by their mobile phones or headphones.
On 460 occasions, people tripped and fell between the platform and the train, causing 150 injuries.
Another 140 passengers were caught in a train’s closing doors, with nine people suffering injuries.
“Sydney Trains has been rolling out a major safety upgrade to close the platform gap, with an innovative rubber gap filler product installed at 19 higher-risk platforms so far,” Executive Director for Customer Experience Leanne Watson said.
“As we expand the gap filler program, we’re asking passengers to be careful when they get on or off the train.
“We make announcements to remind passengers about platform safety and there are also signs around stations, so please turn down your headphones and tune in to your surroundings.”
This Rail Safety Week (August 5-11), passengers are reminded to: stay behind the yellow line until the train has come to a complete stop; avoid distractions such as using your phone or listening to music with headphones; hold on to your belongings; be cautious when boarding and alighting trains and take note of the gap between the train and the platform; supervise children and assist vulnerable individuals; and report unsafe behaviour.
“We are committed to ensuring you have a safe journey on the network, so we urge all passengers to listen to announcements and heed the safety signs,” Sydney Trains Chief Executive Matt Longland said.
“By working together, we can create a safer environment for everyone using the train network.
“Station staff are there to help passengers so ask for assistance at any time.
“We also have help points on platforms and trains that you can use to contact staff.”
Rail Safety Week is an annual initiative by the TrackSAFE Foundation.