The Victorian Auditor-General’s Office has again exposed Melbourne’s lack of progress on tram accessibility[1].
In 2023–24, only 18% of tram services were fully accessible, up just by 3% from 15% in 2018–19.
“True accessibility needs both low-floor trams and level-access stops”, said Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) spokesperson Daniel Bowen. “Without both, many passengers can’t use the system independently. The slow pace of change shows a systemic failure to deliver a tram network for everyone.
“At this rate, we won’t have a fully accessible tram network until the year 2160.
“Accessible trams help more than people with mobility restrictions. They benefit parents with prams, travellers with luggage, and anyone who struggles with steps. They also make boarding safer, reducing the risk of stepping into traffic.”
The PTUA is also alarmed at the growing trend of removing stops during accessibility upgrades. Cutting two non-compliant stops to create one compliant stop may look efficient on paper but makes trams less convenient and less useful. Accessibility must not come at the cost of access.
The PTUA calls on the Department of Transport and Planning and Yarra Trams to:
- Set and publish clear timelines for delivering low-floor trams and level-access stops.
- Fund and resource upgrades to accelerate progress.
- Maintain or increase stop density to protect convenience.
- Report publicly, route by route, on accessibility progress.
“Eighteen percent accessibility is not success—it’s exclusion. Melbourne needs fast, coordinated action to deliver low-floor trams, level stops, and a network for everyone”, said Mr Bowen.
[1] https://www.audit.vic.gov.au/report/accessibility-tram-services-follow