Motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians in Parramatta, Sydney, are engaging in risky behaviours around the new light rail system, raising safety concerns for tram operators. Since its launch seven months ago, there have been 11 reported collisions involving trams and various vehicles, in addition to numerous near misses. Howard Collins, the Transport for NSW coordinator-general, attributes these incidents to a disregard for safety among road users, with footage capturing alarming close calls, including one where a delivery rider narrowly avoided a tram by pulling back just in time.
In another instance, a scooter rider sped through a tram crossing, prompting the tram driver to brake abruptly. Collins stressed the importance of awareness around the tram system, highlighting that each tram weighs a massive 80 tonnes—roughly the equivalent of two adult humpback whales—which makes it difficult to stop quickly. He cautioned against the false confidence that some pedestrians might have in assuming a tram can halt in an emergency.
Notably, more than half of all tram-related accidents have occurred in the Westmead area, prompting Transport for NSW to review the data closely. They are now considering whether additional signage, markings, or designated lanes might be required to enhance safety and improve compliance among all road users. Collins emphasised the need for stronger visual cues to prevent further incidents and to better inform pedestrians and motorists about the inherent dangers of the light rail environment.
Overall, officials are urging everyone to take more care around the light rail to avoid potentially deadly accidents.