Sydney Trains and NSW Police launch joint operation to crack down on dangerous 'buffer-riding' behaviour
Sydney Trains and NSW Police today launched a joint operation targeting potentially deadly ‘buffer-riding’ these school holidays.
Trespassers are being urged to stop risking their lives on the transport system by illegally clinging onto the back of train carriages travelling up to 110 kilometres per hour.
Sydney Trains Chief Executive Matt Longland has confirmed that last year, there was a rise in incidents across the train network, with an overall increase of 13 per cent since 2021.
“We see a spike in these incidents during the school holidays when people have more free time. We want to warn them that this is an extremely dangerous and stupid thing to do; all it takes is one misstep and your life could be over,” Mr Longland said.
“One mistake could destroy not only your own life, but also cause untold heartache and grief to your family and friends as well.
“All too often we see lives lost by people trespassing in the live rail corridor. It only takes a train accelerating or braking quickly, or for it to move close to infrastructure for someone to be knocked onto the tracks.
“Our trains weigh 400 tonnes and travel up to 110km/h. If the fall itself doesn’t kill you, the next train coming along probably will.”
Eleven people have died because of illegal trespassing in rail corridors in the past five years; two of those deaths occurred in the past year.
Sydney Trains is working closely with NSW Police to deter ‘buffer-riding’, utilising the thousands of CCTV cameras along rail corridors to identify the offenders.
NSW Police’s North Central Police Transport Commander, Superintendent Cath Bradbury, said police would not hesitate to take action against people who trespass in the rail network.
“Our officers proactively patrol the public transport network, targeting anti-social and criminal behaviour, including trespassing,” Superintendent Bradbury said.
“The risks associated with this behaviour should not be underestimated, with people potentially putting not only their own lives but the safety of others in unnecessary danger.
“The Police Transport Command works closely with our transport partners to use the necessary resources, including CCTV, to detect, identify, and target offenders.
“We also urge commuters to report ‘buffer riding’ and other anti-social or criminal behaviours to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”
Penalties for trespassing in the rail corridor can exceed $550. Offenders who are caught trespassing in the Sydney Trains network and are fortunate enough to not to be injured or killed face a maximum of $5,500 in fines.
Customers who see this dangerous act taking place are urged to immediately report it by using the help points on platforms or if on board the train, by notifying the Guard, who will then contact the Sydney Trains security team.