People risking their lives by riding on the back of NSW trains in a practice known as "buffer riding" are being targeted by authorities.
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There's been a spike in the perilous pursuit across Sydney's train network during the school holidays and authorities are warning they are cracking down.
Transport Minister Jo Haylen didn't mince words in condemning the activity, urging young people not to risk their lives.
"It's got to be one of the stupidest things I've seen," Ms Haylen said on Thursday.
"It's incredibly dangerous. Don't do it. You are risking your own life and the lives of others."
Police and Sydney Trains are using thousands of CCTV cameras along rail corridors to identify offenders.
Sydney Trains CEO Matt Longland said with trains travelling up to 110km/h, one mistake could cost lives and cause untold grief for families.
"All too often we see lives lost by people trespassing in the live rail corridor," he said.
"It only takes a train accelerating or braking quickly or for it to move close to infrastructure for someone to be knocked onto the tracks.
"Our trains weigh 400 tonnes and travel up to 110km/h. If the fall itself doesn't kill you, the next train coming along probably will."
Eleven people have died while trespassing in rail corridors during the past five years.
NSW Police North Central Police Transport Commander Superintendent Cath Bradbury said police would not hesitate to prosecute offenders, who face fines of up to $5500.
"Our officers proactively patrol the public transport network, targeting anti-social and criminal behaviour including trespassing," she said.
Australian Associated Press
