Carriages which are found to be defective, newly vandalised or unsafe for our customers are sealed off by the guard.

In these circumstances, if we removed a train from service before it reached its destination our customers would suffer a greater inconvenience.

As soon as operationally possible, the issue affecting the carriage is either addressed or it is removed from service and returned to its relevant maintenance depot for repairs.

Train drivers are required to sound their horns at all times prior to moving the train. This is especially the case when departing stations in order to warn others the train is about to move. This helps ensure the area is clear and safe. There is also a safety requirement for drivers to use their horns when approaching level crossings, tunnels, worksites and in areas where visibility is restricted, such as cuttings.

Drivers may also sound their horn if there are people or animals on or near the track.

This is a very important safety measure taken to prevent accidents on the railways. Unfortunately, as a result, CityRail is unable to agree to any requests to reduce the incidence of horn blowing in affected areas.

RailCorp takes all practical measures to reduce noise emissions from trains, tracks and other structures on the network. These works include grinding rail and train wheel profiles when required and removing track surface irregularities that would otherwise result in increased noise emissions.

RailCorp operates under an Environmental Protection Licence issued by the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC). The main objectives of the licence are to:

• Minimise offensive noise levels to the extent practicable from railway operations.
• Minimise impacts on communities surrounding the railway network.
  

Freight trains
A night-time curfew on freight trains is not feasible due to the high volume of commuter passenger trains using the network during the daytime. Wherever practical, RailCorp does endeavour to schedule freight trains to operate during the daytime.

For any environmental complaints or enquiries, contact the Rail Greenline 24 hour hotline on 1300 656 999.