John Englart

17 September Rally for Accessible tram stops on Sydney Road for Transport Equity week

The first Transport Equity week is about to launch here in Australia.

And here in Merribek the focus is on Accessible Tram stops on Sydney Road. This is particularly important to achieve prior to the Level Crossing Removal in Brunswick which will result in the closure of the Upfield Rail Line for perhaps 12-18 months.

Unfortunately this was in conflict with the Yes to the Voice Melbourne rally, which was called after the organisation of this event in Brunswick.

There was a good turn up, nevertheless. We need to keep the pressure on the Andrews Government to implement its commutment to accessible tram stops on the No 19 tram route along Sydney Road.

This is impotant for equity as part of a just climate transition.

A few photos from the event:

Event: Launch of Transport Equity Week (Facebook Event)
Where: Wilson Avenue/Sydney Road, Brunswick
When: 1pm Sunday 17 September
E-petition: Legislative assemby e-petition

Preparing placards and banners at Brunswick Square on 26 August

The Victorian Government is way behind in its program of installing Accessible tram stops in the Melbourne Tram network. Currently there is an accessible stop at Park street, Brunswick and the next accessible tram stop on the No 19 tram route is at the tram terminus at Bakers Road, North Coburg.

If the government is going to close the Upfield Line through Brunswick for a considerable time for Level Crossing Removal, it needs to provide alternate public transport accessibility for those with mobility issues. This includes people with prams, wheelchairs, elderly or disabled people unable to navigate tram steps.

Making the No 19 tram route along Sydney Road more disability friendly and accessible enhances its useability, which encourages mode shift from private vehicles and reduces transport emissions. It is an important part of a Just Transition for transport infrastructure.

Update: No plan for Sydney Road tram stop upgrade in new Tram plan

On 31 August the Andrews Government announced a plan to deliver a $3.8 billion investment in new trams, accessible stops and better travel across Melbourne. There is no plan to upgrade the busy No 19 tram route, the busiest tram corridor in Melbourne, and one that needs accessible tram stops before level crossing removal in Brunswick is undertaken so that people with a disability have alternative public transport.

The new tram plan advises: “Tram stop upgrades will be carried out along three tram corridors – in Footscray/Maribyrnong, Thornbury/Northcote and Fitzroy/Collingwood which give passengers access to the new Footscray Hospital, Victoria University, Northcote Plaza, Australian Catholic University, schools, and busy cafes bars and restaurants.”

Residents of Brunswick and Coburg ignored again.

Reference:

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