‘Russian roulette’: anti-train surfing ramps installed

Young people who seek viral video footage or adrenaline rush by surfing on the train are expected to be prevented by new preventive measures.

Sydney trains will have angled metal covers at the back to prevent people from standing on the number plate, clinging to the vehicle and making dangerous journeys.

Trainsurfing figures have risen by a quarter this year, with 275 cases recorded in 2025, according to official figures.

However, a six-month trial of ‘nose cone’ attachments found no incidents were recorded.

In the last five years, 11 people were seriously injured as a result of dangerous practice.

In one notable incident, emergency services were called to Caringbah Station in Sydney’s south to treat a 13-year-old boy who had fallen off the back of a train.

The person, who was in serious condition, was injured in his head and arm and was taken to the hospital for treatment.

NSW Transport Minister John Graham said preventing surfing on trains would not stop injuries but would also contribute to the reliability of the network.

He said more than 3,000 minutes of time will be lost to surfing and vandalism training in 2025.

“The vision of teenagers playing Russian roulette with 400-ton trains is a heartbreaking thing for all parents to watch,” Mr Graham said.

“We must end the trend of bumper driving and the successful trial of the nose cone attachment at Tangaras means we can now get on with the job of physically preventing people from stepping on the step plate.”

Sydney Trains will install the devices on 55 Tangara trains, which authorities say are targeted by surfers.

The installation is planned to be completed by the end of 2026.