They are the heart-in-mouth moments that remind us all that rail safety is a matter as serious as life and death.
Vision of near-miss incidents on the NSW light rail network is being released today to mark the 20th annual Rail Safety Week starting Monday and running 11 - 17 August.
The CCTV footage from onboard light rail vehicles in Sydney, the Eastern Suburbs, Parramatta and Newcastle shows the vulnerability of pedestrians, bike riders and people on mobility scooters around trams.
As NSW motorists continue to adjust to light rail vehicles being back on the network, vision shows cars and motorbikes crossing the path of trams in near-misses that could have easily ended in injury or worse.
There were more vehicle near-misses on the new Parramatta Light Rail system over the past 12 months than other lines as the community in Western Sydney adjusts to the new format.
The Minns Labor Government is urging passengers and pedestrians to prioritise their own safety by remaining alert, putting down phones, not rushing, and observing all road rules and pedestrian signs.
Motorists are reminded that unless signed otherwise, U-turns are not permitted at traffic lights - illegally turning across light rail tracks puts everyone at risk.
Rail Safety Week is an annual event led by the TrackSAFE.
For more information and advice for passengers on safety around Sydney's light rail network, visit transportnsw.info/travel-info/safety-security/light-rail-safety.
Minister for Transport John Graham said:
"These moments are hard to watch because in some cases there is just centimetres or milliseconds from the result being so much worse.
"As we enter Rail Safety Week 2025, it is the right time to remind people that light rail vehicles can't deviate their path and at 85 tonnes when fully loaded, they take time to stop.
"Please stay alert and follow the rules to ensure your own safety and the people you are with. Whether you're a pedestrian, a cyclist, or a driver, it is so important to take responsibility for your own safety."
