Warning Around Newcastle Light Rail Safety, Footage Released of Near Misses on the Track

BY ISABEL EVERETT

As part of Rail Safety Week 2020, Hunter residents are being urged to take care around the Newcastle light rail.

While the light rail has become a recognisable icon in the Newcastle CBD, Newcastle Transport tram drivers and operational controllers are reportedly frequently seeing motorists, cyclists and pedestrians putting themselves at risk by behaving unsafely around light rail.

Keolis Downer Hunter General Manager Mark Dunlop said the lack of awareness for road users and pedestrians is still concerning.

“Every day there are close calls on the network whether it is a motorist running a red light at Stewart Avenue or Steel Street or a pedestrian stepping out in front of an approaching tram,” said Mark Dunlop.

“Our tram drivers do an exceptional job of anticipating the behaviour of motorists, pedestrians and cyclists. Particularly as trams take longer to stop than other heavy vehicles such as buses and trucks and can’t swerve to avoid a collision.

“Forcing a tram to make a sudden stop doesn’t just put the tram driver, motorist, cyclist or pedestrian in danger, using the emergency brake has a flow on effect for all customers on board.”

Mr Dunlop stressed the need for the Newcastle community to be light rail safe all year round, not just during this dedicated week by following key safety tips.

“We ask road users to simply follow the road rules and be aware and cautious when driving around Newcastle light rail. 

“For pedestrians, be alert to your surroundings by taking your headphones off and putting your phone in your pocket, cross at the designated pedestrian crossings and only cross when the light is green.

“Cyclists should always keep a safe distance from trams and not ride along the tram tracks.”

“Take care around light rail and never assume the tram driver has seen you.” 

Throughout Rail Safety Week (10-16 August), the Newcastle Transport Team will be out and about on the network talking to the community about rail safety.

Maiden Tram Trip Marks New Era for Newcastle

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

Politicians and lucky locals took the first trip on the Newcastle Light Rail this morning.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian was joined by Transport Minister Andrew Constance, Newcastle Liberal Candidate Blake Keating and Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot Macdonald for the ride from Newcastle Beach to Newcastle Interchange.

It was the first complete trip for the tram while carrying a load of passengers, which included a host of excited schoolchildren.

Concerns were raised about the expected efficiency of the service last week after it was revealed one tram was yet to finish testing and another was still yet to arrive from Spain, but Andrew Constance dismissed these, saying it won't make any difference.

"There will be a tram every ten minutes and then they'll get the final vehicle in place and that will then deliver the optimum seven and a half minute frequency over the next couple of weeks," said Mr Constance.

The premier said the project's completion comes after years of hard work.

"I remember when I first became the transport minister nobody used public transport in the CBD of Newcastle, the buses ran around empty, the services didn't connect," said Gladys Berejiklian.

"This frequency and the value for money is going to attract people like never before."

Residents will be able to ride the tram for free on Sunday as part of a community event to launch the service before paid services begin on Monday morning.

Andrew Constance, Gladys Berejiklian and Blake Keating. Image: Gemma Ferguson/2nurfm News

Newcastle light rail recruitment progresses

BY SANZIANA TIMIS

Newcastle's first light rail vehicle will arrive next month after being shipped from Spain.

With its approaching arrival, progress has been made in the recruitment process with 80 shortlisted candidates but only twenty available positions.

The light rail will reach 2.7 kilometres in length and travel through Wickham to Pacific Park in Newcastle East.

Director of Corporate affairs Andrew Fletcher says the light rail will create ease in
travelling through Newcastle's city centres with passengers permitted to use Opal cards.

"Its going to be a far more efficient way to travel along the dominant axis. There will be integrated ticketing between the buses, ferries, trams and the train services."

The service will be available every 7 minutes and has the capacity to hold 1200 people every hour, the equivalent of three bus fulls.

Candidates who have applied for a position will undergo a series of problem-solving tasks such as reaction tests and personality profiling, with successful applicants receiving a 30-day long intensive training.

"We want to make sure we get people that are safety and customer focused. Its all about ensuring that the very best people are recruited to operate."

The light rail system will be in operation towards the New Year.

                                    imagesource: https://www.google.com.au/searchq=newcastle+light+rail&rlz=1C1GGRV_enAU751AU751&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&sqi=2&ved=0ahUKEwj93Y_MrqXdAhVMbBoKHXuBDY4Q_AUIDCgD&biw=1920&bih=943#imgrc=SuK4FG5dhwEaqM: