❓ The government does not mandate both elevator and ramp access at all new train stations, citing factors like demand, site constraints, and staff availability. Alternative arrangements are in place for lift outages and emergencies.
AnsweredQoN 2610Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
(1) Is it government policy for new train stations to have both elevator and ramp access to the platform? (2) If no to (1), why not? (3) Will the Minister consider making future train stations accessible by both elevator and ramp to address access in an emergency and when elevators are not in use? (4) If no to (3), why not?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
19 March 2015
Responded by
Parliamentary Secretary representing the Minister for Transport
Response time
29 days
(1) No.
(2) The provision of lifts and ramps at train stations is assessed on a case by case basis depending on a range of factors including patronage demand, site constraints and whether or not a station has staff in attendance to assist passengers with special needs to access train services. Since the introduction of the first passenger lifts and escalators at Perth station nearly 30 years ago the Public Transport Authority (PTA) has adopted a policy of providing passenger lifts in lieu of ramped access to stations where there is justification for the provision of a lift through demand and where permanent or readily accessible staff are available to assist passengers.
(3)-(4) Where a passenger lift is justified it is not always possible to provide a ramped walkway as well due to the space required to incorporate the ramp and the landings. In many cases, ramps are not possible due to the need to accommodate stairs and or escalators as well as other infrastructure needed on the platform.
Where passenger lifts are not available due to breakdown or maintenance, alternative arrangements are made for passengers who require the use of the lift to enable them to continue their journey. This can include providing special needs passengers with taxi assistance to the nearest accessible station. It should also be noted that the PTA has comprehensive emergency management procedures in place to ensure all passengers can be safely evacuated from stations if needed.
(2) The provision of lifts and ramps at train stations is assessed on a case by case basis depending on a range of factors including patronage demand, site constraints and whether or not a station has staff in attendance to assist passengers with special needs to access train services. Since the introduction of the first passenger lifts and escalators at Perth station nearly 30 years ago the Public Transport Authority (PTA) has adopted a policy of providing passenger lifts in lieu of ramped access to stations where there is justification for the provision of a lift through demand and where permanent or readily accessible staff are available to assist passengers.
(3)-(4) Where a passenger lift is justified it is not always possible to provide a ramped walkway as well due to the space required to incorporate the ramp and the landings. In many cases, ramps are not possible due to the need to accommodate stairs and or escalators as well as other infrastructure needed on the platform.
Where passenger lifts are not available due to breakdown or maintenance, alternative arrangements are made for passengers who require the use of the lift to enable them to continue their journey. This can include providing special needs passengers with taxi assistance to the nearest accessible station. It should also be noted that the PTA has comprehensive emergency management procedures in place to ensure all passengers can be safely evacuated from stations if needed.
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