Train near misses have increased across metropolitan Adelaide, with new figures revealing 163 incidents were recorded in the past financial year and one rail line accounting for almost half of them.
The concerning statistics have been released as part of Rail Safety Week, with South Australians being urged to pay attention around train tracks, stations and level crossings.
Across Adelaide’s train network, near misses increased by four per cent during 2025-26.
The Gawler line recorded by far the highest number, with 72 near misses during the year. That’s 44 per cent of all train near misses across metropolitan Adelaide and a 22 per cent increase compared with 2024-25.
The Belair line also recorded a small increase, while near misses decreased on both the Seaford and Outer Harbour lines.
Pedestrian behaviour remains a major concern. There were 98 incidents involving pedestrian crossings and station mazes, representing a 54 per cent increase on the previous year.
Almost 35 per cent of all near misses involved cyclists, while seven incidents involved vehicles at level crossings.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Joe Szakacs said the figures showed how quickly distraction or impatience around the rail network could become dangerous.
“These near misses are terrifying,” Minister Szakacs said.
“We are seeing an alarming rise in these close calls which can have a traumatic effect on our train drivers and cause injuries to passengers when emergency brakes are activated.”
The figures also reveal when people are most at risk.
Train near misses were most common during the afternoon and evening, peaking between 7pm and 8pm, followed by the afternoon commuter period between 5pm and 6pm.
There was better news across Adelaide’s tram network, where near misses fell by more than 30 per cent, dropping from 165 to 113 incidents.
The busiest period for tram near misses was between 4pm and 5pm, while high-risk locations included the intersection of North Terrace and King William Street and the Adelaide Railway Station tram stop.
Authorities are particularly urging pedestrians to look up from their phones and remove headphones or earbuds when crossing railway tracks. People should only cross tracks at designated pedestrian crossings and should never walk or run along railway tracks.
The warning comes with a reminder of just how difficult it is for a train to stop in an emergency.
A typical passenger train weighs around 140 tonnes and can travel at speeds of up to 110km/h. At full speed, it can require around 470 metres to stop after the emergency brake is activated.
Freight trains can weigh as much as 10,000 tonnes and require more than one kilometre to come to a stop.
Motorists are also being reminded not to enter a level crossing unless there is enough room to completely clear the tracks. If boom gates appear to be stuck or warning lights continue flashing, drivers and pedestrians should not attempt to cross.
“Take off your headphones or earbuds and stop looking at your phones when crossing rail tracks because too often we are seeing people distracted or too impatient to wait,” Minister Szakacs said.
