Gap filler cuts Sydney train platform falls by 43 per cent

Rubber gap fillers installed at “high-risk” train platforms across NSW have delivered a dramatic drop in commuter accidents.

The subtle safety upgrade has helped reduce the number of passengers slipping through the platform gap by 43 per cent, lowering related injuries by 63 per cent, according to new figures from Transport for NSW.

“Even if there’s gap filler, you should still watch your step when getting on or off the train,” Transport for NSW said in an X post.

The rubber-teethed strips run along the edge of the platform to narrow the gap between the train and the platform.

First rolled out at select stations in 2021, the measure saw zero falls recorded on fitted platforms during its early testing phase.

Following that success, Sydney Trains announced a $9 million network-wide expansion in 2024 targeting high-traffic and high-incident stations.

The investment followed reports that roughly 45 people were falling through gaps across the network, with more than 50 incidents occurring at Sydney’s Redfern Station alone.

Sydney Trains executive director of engineering and maintenance Nev Nichols previously noted that the age and design of Sydney’s rail infrastructure present unique engineering challenges.

“Parts of the rail network are over 165 years old, and unfortunately, there is no one easy solution to prevent customer falls,” Nichols said.

“Every platform has unique properties such as gradients, curves, varying heights, heritage retrofits, and other considerations, each requires a tailored, engineered approach.”