TRAM/LIGHT RAIL SERVICES, VICTORIA - PROGRESS REPORT

In granting an exemption from the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 for the above services, the Commission requested Victoria to provide the Commission with annual reports in respect to "progress towards implementing the action plan and steps being taken by operators that will improve accessibility".

Significant changes have occurred to the operation of Victoria's public transport system. The purpose of this report is to advise you of those changes in respect of tram and light rail services and progress made in improving accessibility.

In August 1999 the operation of Victoria's public transport system was contracted out to private companies. MetroLink Victoria won the Yarra Tram franchise and National Express Group won the Swanston Tram franchise. Both companies have considerable overseas experience in public transport operation.

Low Floor Trams

Franchise agreements between the operators and Government require operators to develop their own Accessible Action Plans by March 2001 and they are required to purchase 90 low floor accessible trams between 2002 and 2004. MetroLink will purchase 31 and National Express Group will purchase 59.

MetroLink and National Express Group have already commenced development of strategies to ensure access to the new low floor trams for people with disabilities. These strategies which will form the basis of each Action Plan to be completed by March 2001 will:

· finalise the design of ramps to be provided on the new trams

· ensure that designs for tram stop/safety zone infrastructure will be compatible with the new trams; and

· determine an indicative program of works.

Both companies have committed to wheelchair access at stops with and without platforms. Where road space constraints apply at existing safety zones, full accessibility may not be achievable until major roadworks are undertaken at these sites.

Community Consultation

National Express Group has already presented an overview of the new trams highlighting the accessibility features to disability representatives. Two presentations have been held, the first on physical access (15 December 1999) and the second on features to assist passengers who are blind or vision impaired (21 December 1999). Organisations represented were:

Physical Access

- Access Design & Inspection Consultants

- Action Resource Network Inc

- Spastic Society

- Yooralla – Independent Living Services

Vision

- Vision Australia Foundation

- Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind

- Bind Citizens Australia

- Two blind public transport users

Both companies have committed to the conduct of trials with wheelchair users to confirm that the interface solution between trams and stops meets the needs of people using wheelchairs.

Additional Access Measures

In addition to the above it should be noted that:

· MetroLink is close to completing a design for the extension of the Mont Albert tram to Box Hill. Stops on the new route will be fully accessible and MetroLink intend to operate new low floor trams on this route.

· MetroLink has also recently released into service four refurbished trams which are operating as prototypes for the refurbishment of the A & B-Class trams. Although this refurbishment is primarily cosmetic, MetroLink has given considerable attention to improved accessibility in their choice of contrasting colours for grab rails and step strips and improvements to signage on the trams. Following customer feedback, further improvements will be made if required.

Should you require any further information please contact Kym Irvine on the numbers listed below.

Yours sincerely

JOHN MCMILLAN

Deputy Director of Public Transport

20 / 06 / 2000