Metro Trains Melbourne (MTM) has released footage of severe crashes and near misses at level crossing around Melbourne, as passengers and motorists begin to return to the transport network.
Last year, vehicle incidents have caused delays or cancellations to 700 trains, with incidents highest on the Mernda and Frankston lines.’
General manager – safety operations Adrian Rowland said that motorists need to understand the severity of an incident.
“Trains don’t stop on a sixpence – and if you end up in a compromising position on a level crossing, there is nothing a train can do about it and you’re going to come off worse,” he said.
The most common incident is when vehicles damage boom arms or level crossing equipment, which happened 83 times in the past 12 months.
MTM has also been encouraging school students to be aware of risks around trains, with MTM community education officer Kelli Williams engaging with Victorian school children.
“Trains are 140 metres long, weigh as much as 250 cars, and can’t swerve or stop quickly – so there can be serious consequences if young people take risks,” said Williams.
Minister for Public Transport Melissa Horne shared these concerns.
“Please look out for yourselves and others as our rail network gets busier. There’s no excuse for risk-taking behaviour.”
Incidents involving school students often cover mobile phone and headphone distractions, rushing for trains, forcing open doors, illegally crossing tracks, and using skateboards and scooters on platforms.
MTM said that the continuing program of level crossing removals will improve safety around the network, with currently 75 level crossings to go.