Tell your story
Tell us your experiences of inaccessible transport
This is a short form to help you document some of the problems with inaccessible transport. The problem can be big or small – it could be something at your local bus stop, or something that causes difficulties right across the train or tram system. If you can’t think of anything to write for a question, don’t worry, just leave it blank.
(If you’ve got a photo you could send us of the problem, please attach it – but if you haven’t, don’t worry, its not essential.)
(If you can think of a solution, please tell us what you think could make the situation better.)
votes
The problem
On the 48 tram line there is a platform stop at the end of the line in north balwyn, but rarely ever low trams and no other platform stops until almost the city. Which leaves buses which are often not equipped with good ramps or any at all.
Difficulties caused by the problem
It makes it nearly impossible for people in wheelchairs to use this line.
Location of the problem
48 tram line
Who the problem affects
Wheelchair access, the elderly, prams
votes
The problem
On our way to Ringwood, we noticed that the bus shelter glass had been broken AGAIN.
Difficulties caused by the problem
This is a safety issues for everyone, including that wheelchair tyres can be punctured, and people with vision impairment may be unable to avoid the hazard.
Location of the problem
Wantirna Road, Ringwood, on the corner of Gordon Crt.
Who the problem affects
It is a danger and an eyesore for everyone.
How the problem could be fixed
I think the company who makes these shelters needs to come up with a better design like the one at Ferntree Gully Station. It is similar but instead of using glass they have used a fine wire mesh.
votes
The problem
I work for IDEAS(Information on Disability & Education Awareness Service), I have received a phone call from a Service User who has noticed Buses only having the destination on the front of the buses. (SU doesnt have a computer, so I am doing this on her behalf, plus I also agree with this being a problem)
Difficulties caused by the problem
If a passenger is looking for the right bus they need to go to the front of the bus to see where it is going. This makes it difficult for people with a disability or aged related disability to find the right bus.
Location of the problem
Across the system
Who the problem affects
People with disability or age related disability
How the problem could be fixed
Simply have the destination not only on the front, but on the back and even the sides of the bus.
votes
The problem
Cyclists using the first door behind the train driver.and the area inside to travel in a train.
Difficulties caused by the problem
The cyclists using this area create maneuverability problems for people who use scooters and wheelchairs. When requested to move the cyclist can get aggressive towards the person in the scooter or wheelchair. Their response usually is"I was told at the railway station to use this area". or "I will move when a wheelchair/scooter wants to get on".
Location of the problem
This problem is across the rail network
Who the problem affects
It affects scooter, wheelchair users and other users of mobility aids across the rail network.
How the problem could be fixed
On the MetLink website there is a section that sets out directions for cyclists using trains. The section is "Travelling on public transport vehicles with bikes"The second paragraph states that"You [the cyclist] cannot board at the first door of the first carriage, as this is a priority area foe mobility impaired passengers". This information needs to be publicised and used as an education tool for cyclists.
votes
The problem
There are no accessible tram stops on Victoria Street, Richmond between Church Street and Hoddle Street even though there are many low-floor trams that travel along Victoria Street, Richmond.
Difficulties caused by the problem
I live in the Richmond Housing Estate near Victoria Street, Richmond and use an electric scooter for mobility and I cannot travel on the low-floor trams that travel along Victoria Street because there is no accessible tram stop to board or exit a low-floor tram.
Location of the problem
The two inaccessible tram stops are one near Woolworths at tram Stop 20, corner Victoria Street and Lennox Street, Richmond and another near the North Richmond Station at tram Stop 19 on Victoria Street, Richmond. Both tram stops are located on Victoria Street, Richmond between Church Street and Hoddle Street.
Who the problem affects
The two inaccessible tram stops, Stop 19 and Stop 20 affect everyone because there is no level access to the low-floor trams.
How the problem could be fixed
I believe that the City of Yarra Council is now discussing with the Department of Transport (DOT) and other relevant stakeholders the option of designing and constructing two Easy Access Stops on Victoria Street, Richmond, one near Woolworths at tram Stop 20 and another near the North Richmond Station at tram Stop 19 on Victoria Street, Richmond. Both Easy Access Stops if constructed would be located on Victoria Street, Richmond between Church Street and Hoddle Street and Michael hopes would be constructed before or during 2015.
votes
The problem
In a wheelchair, I have had to pass others sheltering from rain while waiting for city bound bus while i have had to continue a further 4 blocks in the rain to city bound train at nearest station. All due to in accessible bus transport and token location of accessible transport other than train.
Difficulties caused by the problem
Other than the obvious discomfort of being wet to the bone, it is undignified to arrive at ones destination in that disarrayed state; i.e. workk. Especially when personal assistance was used to get you looking respectable in the first place.
Location of the problem
Most buses and in particular trams within the Victoria's Melbourne metropolitan area
Who the problem affects
Persons with a wheelchair, friends of persons with a wheelchair, Persons organising social outings.
How the problem could be fixed
MAYBE Less money in Pollies pocket and a grant where the government subsidies a fare percent of cost difference incurred when assuring non-accessible transport is or becomes accessible.
votes
The problem
The town bus service cant take wheelchairs that need to be strapped in because there is a conflict about who wears the blame should something happen to the passenger. The school aide would do it but the education department won’t be responsible and the bus driver can’t do it because he isn’t allowed to leave his seat and the bus company doesn’t want responsibilty anyway.
Difficulties caused by the problem
School and student can't access the community via public transport
votes
The problem
Bus stops aren’t linked to footpaths so you can’t get to them.
Difficulties caused by the problem
There are no paths to/from the bus stop making access difficult for able bodied passengers and impossible for people with disabilities There is no shelter, and the lighting is poor. There is no lighting other than the street lighting located in the central median strip. This makes the stop feel unsafe at night and means that people won't use it in bad weather.
Location of the problem
The photo is of a bus stop on Williamsons Road, Templestowe, near Atkinson Street - but the problem is in many places.
Who the problem affects
The elderly, sight impaired, wheelchairs, etc.
How the problem could be fixed
Making sure that all bus stops are linked to the footpath so that people can reach them. Putting in new bus stops that people can't get to is a waste of money.
votes
The problem
Often trains are late or don’t even turn up!. Recently,2 trains continued through station and did not stop at Werribee after ours was scheduled and our train did not turn up.
Difficulties caused by the problem
Every afternoon I have to stand, as there are no seats left from Werribee to Geelong. People are sitting in the aisles and it is a real safety issue at times for commuters trying to exit the train. When the train doesn’t show, I get home really late and feel exhausted. When I can’t access a seat, I already feel tired after a long day at work. I fell exhausted again and feel very angry at times about the rail system.
Location of the problem
Werribee to Geelong train. 5.32pm
Who the problem affects
Everyone.
How the problem could be fixed
I think there needs to be an extra carriage put on the train to accommodate commuters.
votes
The problem
The overpass walkway between the two platforms at Ivanhoe railway station is a stair bridge. The only way to get around using this staircase walkway is to walk around to the crossing, which is over a 500m walk. As such, it is completely unfair that people are forced to do this.
Difficulties caused by the problem
Commuters have to walk up a flight of stairs (slippery in wet weather), walk on a flat elevated surface for 10m, then walk down the set of stairs on the other side.Being a stair bridge, it would be impossible to use a wheelchair. Even someone who has crutches or has a mobility impairment would find it very difficult to traverse.
Location of the problem
Ivanhoe Railway Station (Hurstbridge Line)
Who the problem affects
People in wheelchairs. But also the elderly and those with mobility issues.
How the problem could be fixed
An underpass (like so many other stations on the network) needs to be built.
votes
The problem
Officer Train Station on the Pakenham line is a scary spot for everyone, especially if your blind or have a vision impairment like me.
Difficulties caused by the problem
There are no tactile indicators on the sure-line of the platform. When I'm on a station platform walking with my white cane, these little raised markers tell me when I'm about to walk off the edge - without them, I only know the edge is there when I'm about to step off it. there are also no bariers across the walk way to cross the tracks to the opposite platform, so there is nothing stopping me from walking straight out in front of a train. Should I be momentarily disorientated or lose absolute concentration for a second at Officer Station, who knows what could happen.
Location of the problem
Officer Railway Station, Station St, Officer
Who the problem affects
Everyone, but especially people with vision impairments.
How the problem could be fixed
Installing tactile paving along the platform to ensure that everyone knows where the edge is.
votes
The problem
This is the view from the end of the ramp at a platform tram stop in Collins St Melbourne. From here you cross the street in your wheelchair, and then what? You are confronted by a kerb with no way to get to the footpath.
Difficulties caused by the problem
The difficulty is that you stand a good chance of being hit by a car as you drive your wheelchair along the road looking for a place to get onto the footpath.
Location of the problem
Collins St Melbourne
Who the problem affects
Anyone who uses a wheelchair or finds it hard to get up steps.
How the problem could be fixed
A simple kerb cut or ramp would fix the situation.