Elderly tram rider's fatal fall sparks calls for safety upgrades in Melbourne
The death of 78-year-old Garry Ledger after a tram jolted forward while he was tapping his card has renewed demands for better safety measures for older passengers on Melbourne’s tram network.
In August, 78-year-old Garry Ledger slipped on a route 16 tram after the vehicle accelerated while he was tapping his myki, later dying from related complications. Coroner Ingrid Giles’ report warned that falls on moving trams pose a growing risk for an ageing population, citing 129 tram-fall hospitalisations between 2020 and 2025, 78 % of which involved passengers aged 60 or older. Older riders like 72-year-old Neil Rickards echo these concerns, describing the sudden start as the most hazardous moment.
Proposed safety fixes include allowing card validation before boarding and installing alerts for drivers when passengers need extra time. While Monash University transport expert Graham Currie questions the cost and practicality of network-wide changes, he acknowledges targeted improvements could help. Yarra Trams says it is reviewing such options with the Department of Transport and continues safety campaigns for vulnerable riders.
Why it matters
The case highlights safety gaps that affect senior commuters and could influence future public-transport policies.
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