Public Transport Accessibility Action Plan

The Government has launched an 'Action Plan' for 21^st Century Public Transport Accessibility which will ensure that a majority of Victoria's public transport services are 100 percent accessible to everyone within 20 years.

Research shows that approximately 18 percent or 843,000 Victorians have a disability and ageing patterns indicate this number will continue to grow.

The Government has submitted the Action Plan to the Federal Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission in accordance with federal anti-discrimination legislation. It is expected that the draft disability standards will be proclaimed law in early 1999 under the Federal Disability Discrimination Act.

The draft standards require full compliance for all new facilities and equipment and for vehicles and infrastructure that are substantially refurbished.

Accessibility applies to vehicles, toilets, platforms, waiting areas, ticket counters and ticket machines. Measures to improve accessibility include ensuring people with a disability and people who are aged or frail can easily and safely use handrails, lifts, doorways, ramps and all surfaces.

A number of transport operators have already introduced many positive initiatives over past years such as tactile pathways, Braille and large print versions of public transport information and low floor buses.

The Government will continue to implement specific actions including further developing the Easygoing information products; expanding the use of Hearing Induction Loops and Telephone Typewriter facilities, standardising on-board announcements and the use of symbols and signage; and staff training in communications and disability awareness.

It is well recognised that Melbourne's tram fleet is not accessible and the Action Plan addresses this issue. The Government's submission to the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission confirms that  Z, A and B class trams will be progressively replaced from 2008, with the replacement program to be completed by 2026.

Melbourne's 53 historic W class trams will not be refitted or replaced and instead will be retained in service on highly visible tourist routes. It is anticipated that as new rolling stock is introduced, all of Melbourne's tram routes will become accessible.

Copies of a summary document of the Action Plan are available from the Department of Infrastructure Bookshop, Plaza Level, Nauru House, 80 Collins St, Melbourne or by phoning 9655 8830.

(News Release, Minister for Transport, November 5, 1998)