Safety around trains, stations & tracks Safety around trains, stations & tracks

Every year people are injured in preventable incidents. Here are some tips to keep you safe around trains, stations, level crossings and tracks. Stay alert, to stay safe.

Electric trains are operating on Auckland's rail network. Find out how to be safe around electric trains with some quick safety trips.

You can also watch our safety video about overhead wires which are live 24/7.

Safety tips

At crossings

Always use formed pedestrian crossings or keep on the footpath at road level crossings.
Wait for alarm bells and flashing lights to stop before crossing. There may be more than one train.
Always stop and look both ways, up and down the track.

If a train has passed, always check that a train is not coming in the opposite direction. Two tracks means there might be a second train.

Never walk down the tracks - it is dangerous and illegal with a maximum fine of $10,000.
Never walk on railway bridges or in railway tunnels - there is only enough space for trains.
Not all trains (eg, freight and trains not in service) stop at every station. A fast train creates a vacuum which can suck you in if you are too close. Stand 5 metres back from the tracks.

With modern technology it may be hard to hear trains approaching:

Always remove headphones when crossing railway tracks. Never talk or text on a mobile phone while around railway tracks.

Orange emergency help point on station platform

Catching the train

Always use paths, overpasses and official pedestrian crossings to enter and leave a station or changing from one platform to another.
Only step over the yellow safety line when the train has stopped.
Never try to catch a moving train.
Allow passengers to disembark first before boarding the train.
When boarding the train, mind the gap between the train and the platform.
When the warning signal sounds to alert that the doors will be closing, ensure you keep clear and do not obstruct the doors.

Travelling at night

Check the timetables and pre-plan your journey before coming to the station.
Check Service announcements or sign up for train text updates to keep informed of service changes
Choose to sit in carriages with other customers rather than by yourself.
When waiting for a train, stand in well-lit areas, preferably in or near the shelter.
Listen to music on a lower volume at night so that you can stay aware of your environment.

If you feel you unsafe, press the button on the orange Emergency Help Point on the platform to attract the attention of the CCTV operator.

For more information about rail safety, please visit www.tracksafe.co.nz

This message is brought to you by AT Metro, Transdev, KiwiRail and TrackSAFE.