Closing more platform gaps across the Sydney Trains network
- Pinnacle Team
- Sep 4
- 1 min read
Sydney's rail network is undergoing an important safety improvement project with an additional investment to reduce the gap between platforms and trains. The project is specifically designed to decrease "gap-related" fall incidents that occur at stations with high passenger traffic. Following the successful installation of rubber gap fillers at 13 stations, an additional $9 million will be invested to install them at 20 more stations. These measures are focused on improving passenger safety, particularly reducing the risk of falls for elderly and child passengers.
Nev Nichols, the Executive Director of Engineering and Maintenance, stated that these upgrades have proven effective, as there have been zero gap-related falls at the stations where they have been installed. The installation of these fillers at major interchange stations, particularly Redfern Station, has significantly contributed to reducing passenger incidents. Redfern Station, which had a high rate of fall incidents due to the gap between the platform and the train, saw particularly important results from the filler installation.
The Sydney Trains network has a history of over 165 years, and each platform has unique characteristics, such as slopes, curves, and varying heights, which require a customized engineering approach. Matt Longland, the Chief Executive of Sydney Trains, emphasized the ongoing efforts to improve the safety and accessibility of stations and trains and highlighted measures to prevent passengers from falling through the gap. This project was tailored to Sydney's specific conditions, drawing on experiences from other networks in Australia and abroad.
February 21, 2024
