24 July 2007
ARTA and Veolia Transport reiterate rail safety message
The Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA) and its rail operator Veolia Transport support the efforts of the New
Zealand rail industry to promote safety around the rail network during the first Australasian Rail Safety Week, running
from 23 to 29 July.
Events promoting rail safety awareness will be taking place across Australia and New Zealand, with television
advertisements, billboards and other activities emphasizing that motorists, pedestrians and cyclists need to take
extreme care when entering or crossing the rail network.
In Auckland, rail operator Veolia Transport is undertaking a number of activities to support Rail Safety Week and
highlight the message that tracks are for trains.
A localised Police in Cabs scheme is currently underway, allowing police officers to travel in the cabs of trains to
monitor behaviour on the rail corridor. This education programme is aimed at identifying and addressing safety issues on
the rail corridor and encouraging a close working relationship with local police.
A school safety awareness programme is also continuing during Rail Safety Week, with Veolia Transport health and safety
advisors and drivers visiting local schools to promote key safety messages for schools and members of the community
around the Auckland rail network.
In support of the school safety messages and Rail Safety Week, community constables will be present at targeted stations
across the Auckland rail network during the school commuter peak period. The constables will assist in building rail
safety awareness by offering rail safety advice.
Veolia Transport is also distributing Auckland-specific printed safety awareness brochures and displaying posters on
trains and at stations. These have been funded by Land Transport New Zealand, and are in line with the New Zealand-wide
campaigns supported by ONTRACK, Toll, NZ Police, Land Transport New Zealand and the Chris Cairns Foundation.
ARTA’s Chief Executive Fergus Gammie says, “Taking extra care around the rail corridor is becoming even more important
as double tracking on the Western Line continues. Pedestrians and motorists now need to be even more careful near
stations, use level and pedestrian crossings at all times and be sure to look both ways when crossing a track, as having
two tracks means that two trains are in operation. Walking on the tracks, except at proper crossings, is illegal.
“ARTA and Veolia Transport are working proactively with ONTRACK, Land Transport New Zealand, the NZ Police and local
councils to ensure safety around the rail corridor and to do everything they can to ensure the prevention of accidents
in the rail corridor,” says Mr Gammie.
ENDS