Melbourne's tram network again fails to meet national accessibility standards
Terry Wesselink moved to Melbourne's north to be closer to public transport but the trams on her route often have steep steps. (ABC News: Peter Drought)
In short:
Only 18 per cent of Melbourne's tram services are accessible for commuters with mobility restrictions, according to Victoria's Auditor-General.
The follow-up report found those commuters often have to wait up to half an hour longer for trams with lower floors.
The investigation found the Department of Transport and Planning has not set any targets or directed funding to improve the tram network.
Melbourne's tram network is falling short of national accessibility standards, with a new report finding there has been "little improvement" in the past five years.
About 18 per cent of Melbourne's tram services were accessible in 2023-24 — where low-floor trams met level-access platforms — according to the Victorian Auditor-General's Office (VAGO).
The number of trams with low floors had risen by just 3 per cent since the previous assessment five years ago, while stops with level platforms increased from 27 to 29 per cent.
"The department's delivery of level-access stops has slowed since our 2020 audit," the report found.
Melbourne has the world's largest tram network, with over 480 trams and 1,628 stops.
But people with mobility restrictions often wait up to half an hour longer for trams with lower floors than other commuters, the report found.
The state government received 10 recommendations in the wake of the initial review.
The Auditor-General found only five had been completed.
"We also assessed if the department's actions addressed our 2020 audit recommendations. We found that most of them did not,"the report said.
The report found the Department of Transport and Planning had sought legal advice about its failure to meet accessibility targets.
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.
Only 21 per cent of Melbourne's tram services have low floors and run through level-access platforms. (ABC News Breakfast)
Disability advocates call out 'neglect'
Terry Wesselink moved to Melbourne's north to be closer to public transport four years ago.
The 60-year-old has a connective tissue disorder — which has caused pain for most of her life — and uses a mobility walker to get around.
"I can only walk about 300 metres before I absolutely have to stop," she said.
Ms Wesselink said her closest tram line — the Route 19 — doesn't have many level platforms and often has trams with steps to get on board.
"Those really steep steps are impossible,"she said.
"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."
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)
About one in five Victorians have a disability, according to the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing.
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.
"I really think they can do better. I think it's neglect."
"I am not valued as a human being because my needs are not being taken into account."
Failing to meet targets
The Howard Government passed laws for accessible public transport in 2002, which tram platforms were required to meet three years ago.
"The department did not meet the 2022 deadline for tram stop compliance," the VAGO report said.
"On current plans, the department will also miss the 2032 compliance deadline for low-floor trams."
Victorian Greens MP Katherine Copsey said the lack of progress was "shameful."
"We have had decades and made such little progress. The government really needs to prioritise this with funding," she said.
Premier Jacinta Allan said her government had made investments to make public transport more accessible, including on new the Metro Tunnel.
"Our public transport system needs to be as accessible as it can be, particularly for people with a disability," she said.
But disability advocates like Ms Wesselink said more support is needed to help bridge the gaps between modern and legacy infrastructure.
"Level tram stops don't have great ribbon cutting opportunities. It's a hidden, quiet, normal thing that we need to do," she said.