1. Transport Accessibility Project
Katherine Marshall & Kerri Cassidy

2. About DRC Victorian Disability Advocacy Program
We conduct individual & systemic advocacy
Staffed & managed by people with disabilities
Member driven

3. Disability Standards Goal:
to eliminate discrimination in the public transport system
Timeframe:
100% accessibility by 2020
Limitations:
Review process
Community consultation

4. Transport Project Goals
Understand transport issues for Victorians with disabilities
Understand the impacts that inaccessible transport has on individuals and communities

5. Method
Public forums
Online survey
1:1 Interviews

6. Safety
Staff
Public
Mode-specific issues

7. Trains Common issues: lack of independence due to reliance on drivers
access to train stations
V/Line accessibility
PSOs
Positives:
more reliable than buses, taxis, trams
new stations with independent access for wheelchair users very successful

8. Trams Common issues: very few wheelchair accessible stops
low floor trams not used on lines with accessible tram stops
lack of priority seating
Overcrowding
Positives:
independent access for wheelchair users when low trams combined with accessible stops

9. Buses
Common issues:
Bus safety: taking off, accelerating, braking, turning corners too quickly
Issues with bus drivers
Positives:
Some regular bus drivers get to know the passengers’ needs
Smart bus visual display

10. Taxi & Rideshare Common issues: Taxis unreliable
Taxis driving past people who use a wheelchair
Lack of respect when assisting wheelchair users into vehicle
Uber Assist not showing available drivers
Uber drivers’ lack of awareness of disability
Rural areas: limited services
Positives:
Ongoing relationships with taxi drivers

11. Information Common issues:
Announcements on the train, tram and bus without visual equivalent
Announcements of stations and stops unreliable
“Change of circumstances” announcements not accessible
Staff give incorrect information due to lack of understanding
Over-reliance on apps

12. Community Consultations
Common issues:
No opportunity to give meaningful feedback
Not listened to when try to complain
People in rural and regional areas left out
Positives:
Consultation for new High Capacity Metro Trains

13. Regional
Issues exacerbated due to lack of services and alternative options.
Some regions have no taxis or public transport.
Heavy focus on getting to and from Melbourne.
Lack of opportunity to give feedback.

14. Impacts
63.10% of individuals stressed or anxious when accessing transport.
67.24% of people said they miss out on doing things they would like to do due to transport barriers.
Commonly limits: education, employment, community engagement, social activities

15. Recommendations Accessibility Audit Enforcement of Standards
Feedback registry
Community consultation
Staff training
Public awareness campaign
Timelines
Accessible Information
Platform access
Increasing priority seating

16. Where to from here? Finalise report of findings & recommendations
Prepare & submit submission to Transport Standards Review
Conduct advocacy campaign with partners
Final report to Office for Disability