Transport - Safety and Security

Travelling on public transport should be a safe and comfortable experience. Safety systems such as lighting, security cameras, emergency help points and security guards (on various trains only) are all in place to maximise your personal safety while you are in transit.

  • Avoid waiting on your own.Try to wait for public transport near other people and in well-lit areas at night.
  • Walk with other commuters. When you disembark, walk with other commuters. If you can’t reach your destination safely and quickly on foot from your bus or train stop, consider catching a taxi.
  • Be alert and confident. Be alert and aware of your surroundings and make eye contact with others.
  • Plan your route. Plan your route before you depart. Check bus and train timetables and connections to avoid any unnecessary delays.
  • Keep your belongings secure. Carry your handbag or briefcase securely in front of your body. Never leave personal belongings like shopping bags or backpacks unattended at your feet.
  • Be assertive. If another passenger makes you feel uncomfortable or harasses you in any way, be assertive, and move away from your harasser.
  • Park close to transport points. Always park your vehicle in a well-lit area as close as possible to your transport points.
  • Take a well-used route. When you disembark, take a well-used, well-lit route back to your vehicle.
  • Travel near the driver or guard. If you’re on an empty train or bus at night, always travel in the carriage closest to the train guard or at the front of the bus near the driver.
  • Always carry a mobile phone or phonecard. When you are out and about, make sure you always have your mobile phone, a phone card or spare change with you in case of an emergency. Make sure you keep your mobile phone in a secure place close to your body.
  • Report anti-social behaviour. Always report any anti-social behaviour or harassment to your driver, guard, conductor or to the police. Program emergency numbers into your phone.

There are some very simple precautions you can take to make sure you feel as safe as possible whenever you’re travelling.

Bus Travel

  • Stand back from the curb when you are waiting for your bus to arrive, especially if you have been drinking alcohol.
  • At night, wait at the bus stop in a well-lit area. If possible, always wait near other people rather than on your own.
  • If waiting on your own, be alert to your surroundings. If you feel unsafe in any way, consider catching a taxi or move to the closest populated area.
  • When on board, consider sitting near the bus driver, especially if the bus is relatively empty or at night.

Taxi Travel

  • Consider phoning for a taxi from a safe place, such as your place of work, rather than hailing one from the street.
  • Specify the route you would like to take to your driver. If your driver takes an alternative route, be assertive and ask the driver to take your specified route.
  • Sit in the back of the taxi and consider travelling with friends.
  • Take note of the taxi company, driver’s name and car number. Let the driver know that you’ve noted their taxi number.
  • At night consider asking your driver to wait for you until you are safely inside your destination.

Ferry Travel

  • Plan your ferry trip before you depart – check times and connections to avoid unnecessary delays, especially at night.
  • When waiting for your ferry to arrive, stand back from the wharf edge, especially if you have been drinking alcohol.
  • Consider sitting near ferry staff or other passengers on board, especially at night.
  • If you feel uncomfortable or threatened please advise ferry staff of your concerns.

Train Travel

  • When waiting for a train at night, stand at the Nightsafe area (indicated in blue on the platform) to make sure you board the train at the carriage closest to the guard’s compartment.
  • Avoid sitting near the train exit doors and try to sit near other passengers, especially at night.
  • In an emergency, use the emergency help points located throughout stations on the Transport NSW network, or seek assistance from a transit police officer.
  • If you see any unattended bags or packages on the train, report them to Transport NSW staff immediately or by calling 131 500 or contact the Police.
  • Stand well behind the yellow painted line on the platform when you are waiting for your train. Take extra care if you have been drinking alcohol.

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