Examining Safety on Roads Around Canberra's Light Rail Network

Since Light Rail services commenced operation in the ACT in 2019, Light Rail Vehicles have been involved in crashes involving other road users, including motor vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. Despite the number of crashes being relatively small, their occurrence presents an opportunity to examine safety around Canberra’s Light Rail network. The overarching goal of this research was therefore to identify areas of road safety concern, relating to Light Rail transportation in the ACT and propose strategies to help eliminate crashes and as a result minimise the risk of injuries. The research study included the completion of five research phases: 1) a literature review; 2) an online community survey; 3) an incident analysis; 4) a site visit; and 5) a project workshop. The results of the literature review showed there is a paucity of research into Light Rail safety relative to other forms of public transportation such as buses and trains. Furthermore, much of this research has been undertaken outside of Australia, with no previous study focussing specifically on Light Rail in the ACT. The literature review, however, provided the opportunity to highlight areas the ACT Government could consider in relation to Light Rail network design. The results were also beneficial in highlighting areas for focus in the community survey. The analysis of the community survey data showed that the community generally perceives the Light Rail network in Canberra to be safe, with levels of engagement in risky behaviours generally low. Despite this, some areas where patterns of behaviour could be improved were identified. These included: pedestrians crossing the Light Rail tracks at undesignated locations, pedestrians crossing the Light Rail tracks against a red signal and motor vehicle drivers speeding. The incident analysis considered eighteen crashes involving Light Rail Vehicles. Twelve involved motor vehicles, while six involved pedestrians or cyclists. Failing to obey a red traffic signal for both motor vehicles and pedestrians, undertaking a U-turn at a prohibited location, and crossing the Light Rail tracks at an undesignated location were all identified as factors that may have contributed to incidents occurring. The site visit provided valuable information for the development of proposed countermeasures. Strategies proposed to minimise the risk of crashes involving motor vehicles and Light Rail Vehicles included: traffic light design, traffic light timing, signage to warn drivers of the approaching Light Rail line, the use of raised platforms on approach to intersections and reduced speed limits for motor vehicles. Strategies proposed to reduce the risk of pedestrian incidents included: signals embedded in the pavement, signage to warn motor vehicle drivers of pedestrian crossings, and measures to prevent crossing in undesignated locations, including considering whether there is a need for more pedestrian crossing locations. The project workshop saw the research team present the results of the research phases above to key stakeholders at Transport Canberra and City Services (TCCS) and Canberra Metro Operations (CMET). Attendees were invited to ask questions and provide their feedback on the countermeasures that were proposed by the research team. Overall, this research program has shown that the ACT Light Rail network is well perceived in relation to safety by members of the community, that patterns of behaviour around the Light Rail network are generally positive, that crashes are relatively rare, and that the network is well designed. Despite this, the results of the research were able to highlight some areas where improvements could be made to create an even safer and user-friendly network. This is an important step towards the ACT’s target of Vision Zero.