❓ Hon Stephen Dawson asks about the accessibility of metropolitan train stations for people with disabilities, particularly regarding lifts and ramps. The Minister acknowledges the issue and outlines current and future efforts to improve accessibility.
AnsweredQoN 600Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
METROPOLITAN
TRAIN STATIONS — ACCESSIBILITY RAMPS
600. Hon STEPHEN DAWSON to the
parliamentary secretary representing the Minister for Transport:
I refer to accessibility ramps and lift systems located at metropolitan
train stations.
(1) Are all
lifts at metropolitan train stations suitable for use by all motorised
wheelchairs, motorised mobility scooters and ambulance stretchers?
(2) If no to (1), which stations are not accessible?
(3) Is the
minister aware that people with disability are being forced to travel great
distances in the hope of finding a suitable ramp and lift system in order to
utilise our public transport system?
(4) Will the
government rectify this problem by having all railway stations retrofitted with
both a ramp system and suitably sized lifts?
TRAIN STATIONS — ACCESSIBILITY RAMPS
600. Hon STEPHEN DAWSON to the
parliamentary secretary representing the Minister for Transport:
I refer to accessibility ramps and lift systems located at metropolitan
train stations.
(1) Are all
lifts at metropolitan train stations suitable for use by all motorised
wheelchairs, motorised mobility scooters and ambulance stretchers?
(2) If no to (1), which stations are not accessible?
(3) Is the
minister aware that people with disability are being forced to travel great
distances in the hope of finding a suitable ramp and lift system in order to
utilise our public transport system?
(4) Will the
government rectify this problem by having all railway stations retrofitted with
both a ramp system and suitably sized lifts?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the honourable member for some notice of the
question.
(1)–(2)
Public Transport Authority lift facilities, where provided at train stations,
exceed the current relevant Australian Standard—1735.12—that
provides for wheelchairs, bicycles and prams. The standard does not reflect the
many varieties of mobility vehicles available. The PTA is cognisant of this
requirement and is currently undertaking an upgrade of lift and escalator
facilities on the Joondalup line at a cost of $7 million, which includes the
widening of lift doors. In addition, the PTA will ensure that its station
design guidelines incorporate this need for when future stations are built
across the network. Ambulance stretchers can be used either in a lift or on an
escalator at train stations.
(3)–(4)
Transperth has a process in place to support all people with a disability to
access any train station on the network. Persons requiring assistance can
contact Transperth by telephone on 1800 800 022, and should do so at least one
hour prior to their travel time. Transperth can then ensure that a customer
service officer is available at the passenger's preferred station to
assist them to access train services. This assistance includes the provision of
ramps to cross platform–train gaps and helping passengers to embark and
disembark the train.
question.
(1)–(2)
Public Transport Authority lift facilities, where provided at train stations,
exceed the current relevant Australian Standard—1735.12—that
provides for wheelchairs, bicycles and prams. The standard does not reflect the
many varieties of mobility vehicles available. The PTA is cognisant of this
requirement and is currently undertaking an upgrade of lift and escalator
facilities on the Joondalup line at a cost of $7 million, which includes the
widening of lift doors. In addition, the PTA will ensure that its station
design guidelines incorporate this need for when future stations are built
across the network. Ambulance stretchers can be used either in a lift or on an
escalator at train stations.
(3)–(4)
Transperth has a process in place to support all people with a disability to
access any train station on the network. Persons requiring assistance can
contact Transperth by telephone on 1800 800 022, and should do so at least one
hour prior to their travel time. Transperth can then ensure that a customer
service officer is available at the passenger's preferred station to
assist them to access train services. This assistance includes the provision of
ramps to cross platform–train gaps and helping passengers to embark and
disembark the train.
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