Getting permission to film or photograph near the Sydney Light Rail corridor​

Filming or Photography Permits

Before submitting your application to film or photgraph on or near the Sydney or Parramatta Light Rail networks, please read the information below. It explains our requirements, approval process, timeframes and fees.

Requirements

  • Preferred filming times: Filming should be scheduled outside peak hours — 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, Monday to Friday. Requests outside these hours may be considered.

  • Prohibited areas: Filming is not permitted in the Driver’s cabin or Operations Control Centres.

  • Location approvals: Depending on your location, you may also need approval from other relevant authorities (see diagram and chart below).

  • Safety and supervision:

    • All requests are subject to a permit and a safety briefing.

    • Depending on the scope, an accredited Person in Charge of Works (PiCOW) may be required to supervise your activity.

  • Safety compliance: Productions must follow the National Guidelines for Screen Safety and the Rail Safety National Law National Regulations 2012.
  • Insurance: Commercial productions must provide proof of public liability insurance for at least $20 million.
  • Student requests: Include a letter from your educational institution confirming the filming is part of your academic studies.
  • During filming:
    • Follow all instructions from supervisory staff.
    • Do not disrupt light rail operations, employees, or passenger comfort.

Approval Process and Timeframes

  • Applications are reviewed case by case and may take up to 10 business days to process.
  • If approved:
    • We will advise fees and charges.
    • You must secure relevant authority approvals and pay fees before filming.
    • We will confirm logistics and provide you with a contact for the day.
  • The production crew must carry our written approval during filming.

Fees

 At a minimum, the following fees apply:

  • Commercial shoot: $1,500 + GST
  • Student shoot: $500 + GST

Additional fees may apply depending on request complexity, crew size, support requirements, filming duration, time of day, and location. All fees are non-refundable.

Disruptions and Contingencies

Customer safety and service reliability are our top priorities. If filming is impacted by network disruptions or weather conditions, we will work with you to find a solution. This may include rescheduling. Additional fees may apply.

The Light Rail Corridor and danger zone

A diagram of safety zones when filming or photographing the Sydney Light Rail corridor.

Who should I contact to request permission to film or take photographs?

Locations near

  • L1 Dulwich Hill
  • L2 Randwick or
  • L3 Kingsford Lines
  • L4 Carlingford to Westmead
Relevant authority/contact for access. If filming across multiple locations, all relevant authorities must be contacted.
Danger Zone

For safety reasons, filming within the Danger Zone is not permitted without special arrangements including the hire of a Person In Charge Of Works.


For Sydney Light Rail email: SLR.Permits@transdev.com.au

For Parramatta Light Rail email: grclr.permit@greatrivercity.com.au

Onboard/on platformsUse the form below!
Pedestrian zone or footpaths

For pedestrian zones or footpaths on:

  • L1 Dulwich Hill Line
    Speak to Inner West Council or City of Sydney Council from Paddy’s Markets towards the city.
  • L2 Randwick Line
    Speak to City of Sydney Council or Property Management NSW for Circular Quay (Alfred to George Streets).
  • L3 Kingsford Line
    Speak to City of Sydney Council or Randwick City Council.
  • L4 Carlingford to Westmead
    Speak to City of Parramatta Council

Apply for a permit

Sydney Light Rail Film and Photography Application

1. Company Details

Company Name(Required)
Address(Required)

2. Key Production Contact

Name(Required)

3. Production Details

Including bump in and bump out time
4. Purpose for Filming/Photography
5. If you are a Student
Max. file size: 49 MB.

7. Public Liability Insurance

Max. file size: 49 MB.
I have attached a copy of Currency Public Liability Insurance for a minimum of $20 million dollars, with ‘Transdev Sydney’ nominated on the policy as an interested party.
8. Other Supporting Documentation Checklist
Max. file size: 49 MB.
Max. file size: 49 MB.

Contact us

If you have any questions, please email Tds.Communications@transdev.com.au