by Justin Di Giulio
Image: Source credit Kinetic
Abstract
The right to freedom of movement is enshrined in the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities in Victoria, Australia. With this in mind, as we approach a new decade, it becomes paramount to assess the accessibility of public transport in Victoria. The aim of this article is to speculate on the priorities for the next ten years, ensuring that every individual, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities, age, or other factors, can utilise public transport fairly and efficiently.
Introduction
The state of Victoria champions the right to move freely, a right protected under the Charter. As urban spaces grow and populations increase, public transport serves as a pivotal point in upholding this right. Thus, enhancing accessibility in public transport is not only a matter of convenience but also of human rights.
Current State of Accessibility in Public Transport
As of 2023, Victoria has made significant strides in making public transport more accessible. This includes the introduction of low-floor trams and buses, auditory and visual announcements in vehicles and stations, and the installation of tactile ground surface indicators.
However, there's always room for improvement.
Challenges in Providing Accessible Public Transport in Victoria
Rapid Population Growth:
Victoria, especially Melbourne, is experiencing growth that surpasses other Australian regions. Melbourne is projected to overtake Sydney as Australia’s largest city in 2031–32 according to the Australian Government Centre for Population (Australian Government, 2023) .This intensifies the strain on the public transport system, leading to a funding priority for capacity-increasing projects.
Infrastructure Expansion and Accessibility:
Infrastructure Victoria emphasises the need for improved infrastructure to combat the sprawling nature of growing cities, which makes commuting more challenging. The State Government faces the dual task of expanding public transport while ensuring that these expansions integrate accessibility from the start.
Legacy Infrastructure:
Older infrastructure assets, many of which date back over a century, present unique challenges. Upgrades for accessibility need a gradual approach due to:
Heritage Listings: Older train stations might have heritage designations that limit or prohibit modifications.
Approval Processes: These often require both local and state government approvals, adding to the complexity.
Physical Restrictions: Factors such as topology, space limitations, and requirements for green spaces can hamper direct modifications.
Market Capacity Constraints:
Due to significant infrastructure investments and the high level of construction activity, there are:
Skill shortages.
Pressures on delivery timeframes.
Escalated costs.
Ongoing impacts due to COVID.
Asset Lifecycle Consideration:
The State often waits for the end of an asset's service life before undertaking accessibility upgrades. When assets are improved mid-cycle, it's done gradually to minimize disruption.
Disruption Management:
Accessibility improvements, especially those requiring infrastructure work, need to be integrated with regular maintenance and asset management to minimize impact on services and users.
Vehicle and Fleet Diversity:
Accessibility solutions must be tailored due to differences in:
Carriage floor vs. platform height.
Gaps between trains and platforms.
Internal space in vehicles.
Network Sharing with Freight:
The shared use of tracks by passenger and freight services necessitates unique solutions to meet both accessibility and safety requirements.
These challenges highlight the intricacies of creating an accessible transport system, requiring a balanced approach that considers legacy constraints, modern demands, and future growth.
Source: Credit Department of Transport and Planning: Flexity 7000 Tram
Priorities for the next decade
Infrastructure Overhaul
Stations and Stops: Retrofitting older stations and stops to make them wheelchair-friendly, ensuring lifts and ramps are in working condition, raised platforms and modifications as required, accessible toilets, shelter and lighting, signage, tactiles, audio loop and announcements etc.
Vehicles: Gradual replacement of older vehicles with modern, accessible versions. For example, trams with step-free access (ie E&G Class trams)
Technology Integration
Real-time Assistance: Implementing AI-powered solutions that can guide visually or hearing-impaired passengers through stations or stops (example: See Me, .
App Enhancements: Upgrades to transport apps to include features like real-time seat availability, especially for priority seating.
Future Technology: Integration with and Embracing Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR) and Quantum Computing (QC).
Training and Awareness
Staff Training: Comprehensive training for all public transport staff on assisting passengers with disabilities.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Regular campaigns to sensitise the general public about the importance of priority seating, assistance, and general decorum. Assistance animal awareness training.
Feedback and Continuous Improvement
Feedback Channels: Developing a customer experience vision including establishing dedicated channels for passengers to provide feedback specifically about accessibility issues.
Regular Audits: Bi-annual audits of stations, stops, and vehicles to ensure they meet accessibility standards.
Integration with Other Transport Modes
Ensuring that interchanges and transitions between different modes of transport (e.g., from buses to trains) are smooth and accessible and consider the passenger's 'whole journey'.
Implement technological solutions to support this for disabled passengers.
Policy and Legislation
Periodic review of policies to ensure they align with the evolving needs of the community. Examples include ongoing reforms to the Commonwealth Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport.
Strengthening legislation to ensure all future public transport initiatives prioritise accessibility from the inception.
Fare Policy
Equitable and affordable fares by reforming the Victoria's Fare Policy, for all people including those holding valid concessions
Safety
Ensuring that all passengers, including vulnerable and disabled passengers, feel safe waiting for, accessing and being onboard transport services.
Reducing the barriers, both physical and interpersonal, to accessing public transport for all passengers including vulnerable and disable passengers through a variety of measures.
Equity of Access
There is an equity of access across the network.
Users are not geographically disadvantaged based upon where they are travelling to and from; and can expect a similar level of service, fares, fees and charges to other comparable locations.
Conclusion
The next decade for public transport in Victoria looks promising, especially with the lens of accessibility. Prioritising the needs of all passengers, particularly those with disabilities, not only upholds the right to freedom of movement but also creates a more inclusive, efficient, and effective public transport system. With the right combination of policy, technology, and community engagement, Victoria can set a gold standard for accessibility in public transport.
Note: This article is speculative in nature, based on this author's opinion.
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