The KiwiRail Coastal Pacific tourist train has been forced to close its outdoor viewing carriage because tourists can’t resist the temptation of leaning out and putting themselves in danger to snap the perfect selfie amongst the stunning scenery.
The problematic behaviour has been occurring on the 350km Picton to Christchurch line, one of KiwiRail’s Great Journeys of New Zealand.
People are leaning right out of the carriages with cameras in hand, waiting for the perfect backdrop to snap their pictures. – oblivious to approaching tunnels.
KiwiRail released a statement saying that in recent months they had been seeing more and more passengers placing themselves in danger by leaning out of the viewing carriage to take photographs.
“The safety of our passengers is hugely important and despite a number of safety signs and announcements on board our trains, we’re still seeing this happen and can’t risk the possibility of an incident.”
KiwiRail
The viewing car has been part of the train for more than a decade but now it will remain closed off the “until a safety solution is found”.
Meanwhile, a review is underway to look at new ways to keep tourists safe from glass windows and rails to other kinds of barriers.
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