- Published:
- Sunday 1 May 2022
The Andrews Labor Government is improving accessibility, safety and comfort across the public transport network to ensure every Victorian can get to where they need to go – particularly people with disability.
Train stations, bus stops, and tram stops across Victoria will be upgraded through a $157.8 million package of works included in the Victorian Budget 2022/23, giving Victorians better access to transport.
The Labor Government is improving accessibility on the train network with $21.9 million from the budget to upgrade five stations including Lalor, Merri, Thornbury, Victoria Park and Warrnambool – delivering a range of improvements including boarding ramps, tactile ground surface indicators, CCTV and shelters among other improvements.
Along the Pakenham and Cranbourne lines, $24.6 million in accessibility upgrades will enable passengers with wheelchairs, prams or other accessibility needs unassisted boarding on the new High Capacity Metro Trains (HCMT’s) at 14 stations.
Nineteen modern and accessible HCMTs are already running on the lines, with each train featuring 28 allocated spaces for wheelchairs or mobility devices.
Further facility upgrades at train stations including Woodend, Glen Waverley and Jacana will improve the comfort and safety of passengers by delivering upgrades including waiting rooms, toilets, and CCTV.
Development and planning work to improve accessibility will begin at several stations including Auburn, Belgrave, East Camberwell, Canterbury, Willison, Hartwell, Moorabbin, Newport and Watsonia stations.
On the tram network, $68.1 million will deliver six new level access tram stops along La Trobe Street in the city and also upgrade the Park Street tram interchange.
These upgrades will substantially improve tram network accessibility in the Melbourne CBD and provide connections with the Metro Tunnel when it is completed.
The Budget also includes $5.5 million to develop future corridors of level access tram stops for upgrades.
Victoria’s Bus Plan is continuing to improve our bus network, with $5 million in the Budget to upgrade up to 80 bus stops across the state including seats, shelters and real time information about bus services.
A first phase roll-out of wheelchair restraint systems on select metropolitan buses will assess the effectiveness of these systems in ensuring the safety of those who use mobility devices and inform Government about future use.
Since 2014, the Labor Government has delivered significant accessibility improvements to Victoria’s public transport network through the construction of 44 new or upgraded train stations, 41 level access tram stops, and hundreds of new and accessible trains, trams and buses.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll
“We are improving accessibility across the entire transport network to ensure every Victorian can travel confidently, comfortably and safely.”
“Whether it’s modern and accessible trams, trains and buses, upgrading tram and bus stops or improving train stations – we’re working hard to make Victoria’s public transport network more modern and inclusive.”