Frequently asked questions

Our transit officers are highly trained professionals employed to ensure the safety and security of customers, staff and property.

Transit officers are authorised under the Rail Safety (Offences) Regulation 2008. In appropriate circumstances, transit officers have the authority to:

• ask passengers for their name and address,
• ask passengers for their concession card,
• detain a passenger for the length of time it takes to obtain the relevant information,
• detain a passenger who refuses to give their name and address,
• issue a passenger with a penalty notice,
• confiscate concession cards,
• ask people to leave trains and stations, and
• arrest a person.

There are more than 9,000 security cameras on our stations right across the network, which are controlled from strategic locations.

Security cameras are located in all Waratah, Millennium, Oscar and Hunter trains. These cameras record events and can be monitored by train guards.

CityRail has a comprehensive security network in place for the protection of its customers. Travelling by rail is safe. If travelling on a train at night, we encourage you to:

• try to avoid travelling alone,
• make sure someone knows that you are travelling and carry a mobile phone, if possible,
• stand in an area which is brightly lit, covered by CCTV and close to the Emergency Help Point,
• when on the train, sit close to the Emergency Help Point, where provided, or sit close to the guard's compartment, marked with a blue light, and
• sit near other passengers and try not to become isolated.

On Friday and Saturday nights, special Guardian services operate which include additional security measures. This initiative provides customers with further peace of mind when travelling at night. Find out more about Guardian service.

Call the CityRail Security Hotline on 1800 657 926. Try to:

• remain calm,
• remove yourself from potential harm,
• make your way to the closest busy, well lit place you can find,
• seek assistance from a train guard, driver, transit officer, police officer or other staff member, and
• activate an Emergency Help Point - there are more than 700 located across the network, with at least one on every CityRail station.

If possible, try to remember the description of offender/s to inform Police. You should also note the time, place and any other details of the incident which will help us isolate any CCTV footage.

In an emergency ring 000.

CityRail's number one priority is our commitment to the safety and security of our customers and staff. We employ around 600 transit officers to patrol our stations and trains.

There are more than 9,000 security cameras on CityRail stations. There are 7,000 high intensity lights and more than 700 Emergency Help Points installed across the network.

For further information, visit the Safety and education section.

RailCorp has committed significant resources to combat graffiti. Our 600-strong transit officer force work in conjunction with the NSW Police and local councils to reduce the unsightly and irresponsible actions of graffiti vandals. We have also introduced guard dog patrols into storage yards and maintenance centres.

We also maintain a database of graffiti 'tags' and where these have appeared so that the apprehension of a graffiti vandal will often lead to convictions for all of their previous vandalism.

We welcome community involvement and would encourage you to telephone police if you witness a graffiti vandal at work.

No. Customers do not want their clothes soiled by the marks left on seats by shoes. Placing your feet on seats also limits the availability of seats for other customers.

It is an offence to place your feet on a train seat, regardless of the amount of passengers in the carriage or if your feet are placed on another item such as a newspaper. Fines apply.

Ring 000 and report it to the police.

If you witness illegal or suspicious activity please phone the police. If you are not in possession of a phone, please approach a train guard, station staff or our transit officers.