Half of Melbourne’s tram routes aren’t serviced by accessible trams. And even if they were, many stops are no use to wheelchair users.<\/p>\n
Melbourne has the world’s largest tram network, with over 480 trams and 1,628 stops.<\/p>\n
But people with mobility restrictions often wait up to half an hour longer for trams with lower floors than other commuters, the report found.<\/p>\n
The state government received 10 recommendations in the wake of the initial review.<\/p>\n
The Auditor-General found only five had been completed.<\/p>\n
“We also assessed if the department’s actions addressed our 2020 audit recommendations. We found that most of them did not,” the report said.<\/p>\n
The report found the Department of Transport and Planning had sought legal advice about its failure to meet accessibility targets.<\/p>\n
It also confirmed the department had produced several plans and strategies with a focus on accessibility since the pandemic. However, they failed to include targets, time frames or funding allocations.<\/p>\n
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Only 21 per cent of Melbourne’s tram services have low floors and run through level-access platforms. (ABC News Breakfast)<\/p>\n
Disability advocates call out ‘neglect’<\/p>\n
Terry Wesselink moved to Melbourne’s north to be closer to public transport four years ago.<\/p>\n
The 60-year-old has a connective tissue disorder \u2014 which has caused pain for most of her life \u2014 and uses a mobility walker to get around.<\/p>\n
“I can only walk about 300 metres before I absolutely have to stop,” she said.<\/p>\n
Ms Wesselink said her closest tram line \u2014 the Route 19 \u2014 doesn’t have many level platforms and often has trams with steps to get on board.<\/p>\n
“Those really steep steps are impossible,” she said.<\/p>\n
“I’ve been travelling with my husband. He’s got off the tram, and the doors have closed and taken off without me having the chance to get off.”<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Terry Wesselink says she often has to drive four kilometres to catch a tram because she cannot get on one at her nearest stop on Sydney Road in Brunswick. (ABC News: Peter Drought)<\/p>\n
About one in five Victorians have a disability, according to the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing.<\/p>\n
Ms Wesselink said she will often drive up to four kilometres to the next accessible tram stop, instead of using her closest at Sydney Road in Brunswick.<\/p>\n
“I really think they can do better. I think it’s neglect.”<\/p>\n
“I am not valued as a human being because my needs are not being taken into account.”<\/p>\n
Failing to meet targets<\/p>\n
The Howard Government passed laws for accessible public transport in 2002, which tram platforms were required to meet three years ago<\/a>.<\/p>\n “The department did not meet the 2022 deadline for tram stop compliance,” the VAGO report said.<\/p>\n “On current plans, the department will also miss the 2032 compliance deadline for low-floor trams.”<\/p>\n