Transport Accessibility Project Katherine Marshall Kerri Cassidy About

Transport Accessibility Project Katherine Marshall & Kerri Cassidy

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

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

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

Method • Public forums • Online survey • 1: 1 Interviews

Safety • Staff • Public • Mode-specific issues

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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