Tram testing to start in Kingsford ahead of December opening

Another warning has been issued to pedestrians, motorists and cyclists around Sydney’s new light rail network, with up to 12 trams to hit the CBD at any one time from this week. Watch the video of one pedestrian’s close call.

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Testing on Sydney’s new light rail network will soon begin in Kensington and Kingsford with first passenger services now just two months away.

As preparations ramp up for the December deadline, driver training will move to Sydney CBD this week where up to 12 trams will be running day and night.

The first services on the $2.7 billion project will run from Circular Quay to Randwick, with the Kingsford leg set to come online in March 2020.

Morning commuters walk past a tram on its way to Circular Quay during it's testing phase. Picture: AAP Image/Dean Lewins

The announcement came as Premier Gladys Berejiklian reminded pedestrians and commuters to keep their wits about them around the tram network, following a string of recent near misses.

It also followed a horrifying incident last month where a teenage boy was hit after running out in front a tram at Moore Park, leaving him with minor head and arm injuries.

“It’s an exciting time for Sydney as the countdown begins to the first passenger services … but it’s also a timely reminder for pedestrians and drivers to be vigilant,” Ms Berejiklian said.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance, NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy and NRMA Spokesperson Peter Khoury inside the light rail holding yards in Kensington. Picture: John Grainger

Transport and Roads Minister Andrew Constance said a new tram safety campaign would target pedestrians, motorists and cyclists coming into grief by queuing across CBD intersections and entering tram corridors around Surry Hills.

“We know people are getting used to having trams around, but we really need everyone to be mindful of the tram corridor when turning at intersections, and if you end up on the tracks, drive or ride carefully to the next cross street and exit safety,” he said.

Cars parked across tram tracks on George St.

NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy and NRMA spokesman Peter Khoury said people needed to readjust to new conditions on Sydney roads.

“The NRMA report released in July, Look Up, found over one third of pedestrians crossed busy intersections while distracted by their smartphones or wearing earphones,” Mr Khoury said.

“Taking this sort of risk around the new Light Rail can have devastating consequences.”

The CBD is a hot spot for near misses.