Wednesday, 13 May 2026

 Sheena WATT (Northern Metropolitan) (17:28): Building a more accessible and inclusive public transport system has been one of this government’s key priorities since we came into government in 2014, and I rise today to highlight this government’s recent achievements when it comes to making our tram, train and bus stations more accessible, as outlined in the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) 2024–25 annual report and the additional upgrades we are delivering through last week’s budget.

This DTP report is very clear: we are taking accessibility in our public transport system seriously. Tram stops, bus stops and train stations are particularly important in ensuring that passengers with mobility issues can access our trams, buses and trains. In 2024–25 our accessibility blitz delivered 12 new level-access tram stops along La Trobe Street in Melbourne, making it easier to access the heart of our great city. These new tram stops are not just about level access, though. They provide new shelters, seating and lighting, making these stops more accessible, safer and more comfortable.

The report further highlights the significant improvements we have made to our state’s train stations, with 14 stations along the Dandenong line becoming more accessible, more welcoming and more usable for every Victorian. Finally, buses are part of the lifeblood of our public transport system, and we are not neglecting those either. Last year we upgraded more than 20 existing bus stops to meet accessibility standards, ensuring that these stops are now inclusive of all passengers. Complementing these upgrades, we have added over 40 new bus shelters across Melbourne, making the gateways to our public transport system more comfortable, more welcoming and, more importantly, more accessible. Our government is certainly taking action.

Whilst the Department of Transport and Planning report outlines the significant advancement we have made in improving accessibility over the past year, we know that there is more to do, and last week’s budget should demonstrate to Victorians across the state that we are continuing to listen and continuing to deliver accessibility to our public transport stations and stops.

In my home in the heart of the inner north I have been working with disability advocates for years for accessible tram stops for the iconic Sydney Road corridor, and it was deeply encouraging to see funds committed to the design and consultation process for level-access tram stops across this corridor. With this process now kicking off, I am sure there will be stakeholders in our community, from disability advocates to cyclists, from vendors to residents, making their voices heard. I am proud that our community can work together with the government to consult on these much-needed upgrades. As well as the well-loved Sydney Road, Clifton Hill station is a bustling hive of activity and a key terminus for all that call our community home. On any given weekend you will see Victorians in footy colours heading to the G or young people heading north to see their family. We are making this critical hub more accessible in this year’s budget, adding tactile ground surface indicators along the edges, making Clifton Hill safer and more accessible for low-vision passengers. This upgrade is part of a $7.1 million package to improve accessibility not just at Clifton Hill but also at Northcote and Eaglemont stations, making it easier and safer for all Victorians to get to where they need to go.

We are proud of the work we have done with disability and public transport advocates in delivering much-needed upgrades. I will also say we are looking to see what more we can do across the network. Our government is listening and our government is delivering to make our state’s public transport system more accessible for every single Victorian.