Petition Tram Route 58 Accessibility

Issue:

This petition of residents in Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Assembly the lack of accessibility along Melbourne tram Route 58. Despite being one of the city's most important and heavily utilised routes, connecting key destinations such as the Parkville hospital precinct, Queen Victoria Market, South Yarra and Toorak, only a small number of stops are currently Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) compliant. The majority remain inaccessible to people who use wheelchairs, mobility aids or prams. Route 58 serves thousands of Victorians each day and plays a vital role in providing access to education, healthcare, employment and recreation. However, without a fully accessible tram fleet and corresponding level stops, many passengers are excluded from using the service safely and independently. In particular, students and staff at Melbourne High School, located near South Yarra Station, have observed the daily challenges faced by commuters with mobility needs when boarding or alighting from trams. Ensuring Route 58 is DDA-compliant would improve inclusion, independence and equality for all public transport users.

Action:

The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Assembly calls on the Government to prioritise the delivery of accessible tram super stops along Route 58 at intervals of no more than 500 metres, incorporating level platforms, minimal horizontal and vertical gaps, ramps, handrails, tactile ground surface indicators, and clear audible and visual passenger information, and commit to the delivery of a fully accessible, entirely low-floor tram fleet on Route 58 within a clear, funded and publicly reported timeframe.