Yarra Trams continues push for accessibility on the network
Wednesday 2 December 2015
Yarra Trams is hosting its third
annual 'Accessibility Week' to raise employee and public
understanding of accessibility issues and to recognise milestones
achieved in 2015.
Accessibility week supports Yarra Trams' vision for a fully accessible tram network in Melbourne that makes a significant social contribution to the city.
"In October we built the 400th tram platform stop outside the MCG on Wellington Parade, which improves access to major sporting events and connections to the suburban train network at Jolimont Station," said Emilie Perrot, Yarra Trams' Director of Customer Experience.
"Yarra Trams works closely with Public Transport Victoria to deliver an accessible tram network that will feature low-floor trams and accessible stops along every route."
There are now 29 next generation E-Class trams in service equipped with the latest accessibility features including dedicated wheelchair spaces with accessible intercom and a next stop request button within reach, designated accessible doors for mobility aid users and a platform gap reducer at each doorway.
There are a total of 129 low-floor trams on the network with another 41 E-Class due to be in service in the next three years.
Other accessibility upgrades completed or underway in 2015 include:
- Introduction of automated dynamic passenger information on 130 B-Class trams, replicating the systems installed on newer vehicles.
- Installation of markings for dedicated wheelchair spaces on all low-floor trams.
- Construction of tram platform stops at Batman Park, Elgin Street and St Kilda Road.
- Construction of Melbourne's first level-access tram to bus interchange on Queensbridge Street.
Network upgrades are complemented by a focus on raising employee awareness about the issues that people with special needs face when travelling on trams.
"Our Accessibility Week activities include a wheelchair basketball competition at Federation Square in conjunction with Disability Sport & Recreation, a presentation to employees by the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission, and a Victorian Institute of Sport symposium with three Paralympians," said Ms Perrot.
Anyone who would like to learn more about accessibility on Melbourne's tram network is invited to visit the Yarra Trams marquee the Disability Sports and Recreation festival at Federation Square on Thursday, 3 December, between 10am and 3pm.
Yarra Trams accessibility facts
- 129 low-floor trams, plus 41 more E-Class trams on order
- More than 400 accessible tram stops
- Routes 96 and 109 fully serviced by low-floor trams
- Routes 5, 6, 8, 16, 19, 48 and 72 partially serviced by low-floor trams
- Automatic next stop announcements on 91 trams with installation underway on 130 B-Class trams
- tramTRACKER® shows a low-floor tram icon to assist passengers
- Priority seats on all trams, identified by bright orange fabric
- Gap reducers on all low-floor trams to enable easier wheelchair and mobility scooter access