All aboard the Rail Safety Week train

Public Transport Authority spokesman David Hynes said the organisation would join other rail operators around the country to raise awareness about rail safety during the week August 13-19. 

“This year the emphasis is on trespass – we want to remind people about the potentially devastating consequences of being irresponsible and unsafe around the railway,” Mr Hynes said. 

“Unless you are travelling through a marked pedestrian crossing, being on the tracks is trespass. 

“A train travelling at 130kmh covers 50m in 1.4 seconds – being hit at this speed will almost certainly be fatal. 

“We do everything we can to make our level crossings as safe and as visible as possible, but some people insist on acting irresponsibly on and around the tracks.”

Another key focus area is passengers wearing headphones. 

“Because our trains are powered by electricity they are relatively quiet and by the time you see one coming, it may be too late. We want our passengers to use common sense. It’s like crossing the road – you should be aware of your surroundings, follow the advice of signage and warning lights and bells and look both ways before crossing.”

As part of the campaign, PTA will display signage across the Transperth network and run a number of film workshop initiatives with students through its award-winning Right Track program. 

Some staff on the Transperth network will also wear a distinctive orange Rail Safety Week beanie to highlight the issue with the travelling public. 

For more information about Rail Safety Week, visit the TrackSAFE website at www.tracksafefoundation.com.au/about