Stay safe around trains and railway tracks
Everything you need to know about rail safety, level crossings, emergencies, schools and community programmes.
Emergency on or near the railway?
Call 0800 808 400 immediately 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Who are you?
A road user
A pedestrian
An educator or student
Information for road users
Road users must stop at Stop signs and look for trains, and stop where barrier arms and flashing lights are operating. You must also look for trains at level crossings where there are Give Way or Stop signs. Don’t ever cross the track when a train is approaching.
Know your vehicle height
Before setting off on a journey, measure your vehicle height, plan your route, and pay attention to both approach signs and signs on rail bridges.
Bridge strikes are a risk to the safe operation of KiwiRail’s services. They cause unnecessary expense and delays to both our train services and the road network.
What to do if a bridge strike occurs
If you see a bridge strike, call KiwiRail Network Control immediately on 0800 808 400.
All train movements will be halted until the bridge has been inspected.
Please provide the vehicle registration, and/or company signage, as well as your contact details so we can follow up for any further necessary information.
Information for pedestrians
Only ever cross the railway at a formed pedestrian crossing or at a designated overpass or underpass.
It is illegal to cross the railway tracks at any point other than an official pedestrian crossing.
When you reach the crossing, stop, look and listen for trains. Remove your headphones and other distractions. Cross the tracks quickly and safely.
Check out TrackSAFE for more safety advice and resources.
School or educator information
Safe Kids days
Our teams regularly attend Safe Kids days around the country, joining schools and community partners like NZ Police and Water Safety New Zealand to help students learn how to keep themselves safe.
Spreading the message in schools
In most locations around the country we can arrange for a member of our KiwiRail team to speak to your students about keeping safe around rail. Please contact us on contactus@kiwirail.co.nz to find out more.
Rail safety resources
KiwiRail, TrackSAFE and Auckland One Rail/Auckland Transport have developed a number of school resources that can assist with educating tamariki in classroom settings.
Check out these additional rail safety resources developed by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi in line with the New Zealand education curriculum.
Secondary School Rail Safety Awards
Are you a secondary school student?
Are you interested in rail safety?
Are you keen to raise awareness and promote safe behaviours around the rail corridor with younger students, your peers, or your wider community?
Enter the Community Rail Safety Awards.