Stay alert around Newcastle Light Rail

A tram weighs as much as a herd of 30 white rhinos – around 50 tonnes – and can take up to 39m to come to a complete stop. This Rail Safety Week, Newcastle Transport is urging everyone that uses the light rail, or rides or drives near it, to heed the following safety advice.

Light rail safety tips for pedestrians

• Stay behind the white line while waiting
• Only cross at pedestrian crossings and always look both ways. Light rail vehicles can approach from either direction and at any time
• Use caution in wet weather as tracks and road markings may be slippery
• Access light rail stops via the designated entry. Never short cut over the track
• Remember light rail drivers have blind spots. Never assume the driver has seen you
• Light rail vehicles move quietly. Avoid distractions like mobile devices and earphones so you can pay attention and stay alert
• Never run for a tram. Another one will be along shortly
• Don’t rush towards closing doors
• Pram and wheelchair wheels can catch in the tracks. Slow down before crossing and try to cross at a right angle
• Sit down or hold onto a hand strap once onboard. 

Safety for drivers

• Obey all traffic lights and road signs. Stick to the 40km/h speed limit that is in place for all vehicles, including light rail, on Hunter and Scott streets between Worth Place and Telford Street. 
• Remember light rail vehicles take longer to stop than cars and can’t swerve to avoid a collision
• Don’t drive on a tramway unless avoiding an obstruction such as a broken down vehicle. Using the tramway to pass slow moving vehicles or cyclists is not permitted
• Always give cyclists a metre when passing. If this isn’t possible, stay behind until safe to pass
• Never park or stop in a tramway or on the tracks
• Treat light rail vehicles like any other large vehicle under the road rules
• Remember light rail drivers have blind spots. Never assume the driver has seen you
• Light rail vehicles are wide so please leave plenty of room 
• Never queue across intersections – if in doubt, don’t go out
• For most of Hunter and Scott streets, light rail runs in its own dedicated lane known as a tramway. Drivers (except drivers of light rail vehicles, light rail recovery vehicles and public buses) are not allowed to drive on a tramway unless avoiding an obstruction
• There is a mixed running section on Scott Street, between Newcomen and Pacific Streets. In this section, trams and vehicular traffic share a lane.

Safety for cyclists

• Take care near tracks, wheels can catch in the tracks or can slip and cause a fall. Slow down before crossing the tracks at intersections and try to cross at a right angle
• Use caution in wet weather as tracks and road markings may be slippery
• Remember light rail drivers have blind spots. Never assume the driver has seen you
• Don’t ride on a tramway unless avoiding an obstacle such as a broken down vehicle
• Take the lane – ride in the centre of the lane to ensure approaching drivers can see you
• Always keep a safe distance from light rail vehicles
• When crossing the road, always use designated pedestrian crossings and dismount
• Consider using the existing off-road cycleway along Newcastle foreshore
• Cyclists riding in both directions are not permitted to ride along the road between Newcomen Street and Telford Street and must use the off-road shared path or an alternative route.