Wednesday, 22 March 2023

 Jess WILSON (Kew) (14:43): (94) My question is for the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure. Will the minister commit to reviewing the accessibility of stops along the 48 and 109 tram lines? The 48 and 109 trams connect the people of Balwyn, Balwyn North, Surrey Hills, Mont Albert, Kew East and Kew with the CBD; however, on the 48 tram route there is only one superstop between the Yarra River in Richmond and the tram’s terminus in North Balwyn. Similarly, on the 109 tram route there are no superstops between Mont Albert and Richmond. This is a serious deficiency in our public transport network, particularly when viewed in contrast to sections of both the 48 and 109 tram routes in Richmond, which see several superstops along a comparatively short stretch. The redevelopment of the new Kew rec centre, a facility designed for seniors right through to very young children, presents an ideal opportunity for the installation of a superstop. Kew Junction and Balwyn shopping centres are also strategic locations to construct accessible tram stops. I ask the minister to commit to reviewing both the 48 and 109 tram routes with a view to the construction of more superstops.