Newly released CCTV footage captures harrowing near-misses on Sydney's light rail network as part of a safety campaign urging pedestrians and drivers to stay alert. The video shows unaware individuals coming within centimetres or milliseconds of being struck by trams, highlighting the fine line between a close call and a fatal accident.
Alarming statistics reveal high risk
In the first four months of 2025 alone, eight collisions occurred on the network, with an additional 127 near-misses recorded. The NSW state government described these figures as unacceptable and is intensifying safety measures.
Transport minister John Graham emphasised the danger: “Light rail vehicles weigh the equivalent of 60 cars. They can’t swerve. They can’t avoid a pedestrian in the lane. And they can be fatal.”
Recent fatalities underscore urgency
The risks are not hypothetical. In June 2024, a man in his 40s died in Surry Hills while attempting to jump between carriages. A 16-year-old girl was killed in Haymarket in 2023 from the same action.
“This footage should be a real wake-up call for people,” Graham said. “We’re asking people to take care.”
Mobile phone distraction a major factor
Authorities identify mobile phones as a key contributor to near-misses, with distracted pedestrians failing to look up from their devices near tracks. Graham urged: “Please stay off your phone when you’re near the light rail.”
The campaign aims to reduce incidents through public awareness, reminding commuters that even a moment of inattention can have deadly consequences.
