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Accessible Transport Action Plan for NSW Transport, Roads and Maritime Agencies

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December 2007 update

Information on accessible transport as at 30 June 2008

Introduction and Overview

Providing equitable access to services is a key Government policy objective. To reflect this, a core role of Government transport agencies is to provide access to transport services for all sections of the community including people with a disability, older persons, children, students and commuters.

To meet the travelling needs of people with a disability, the Government is improving the accessibility of infrastructure, transport services and information. While much has been done and agencies are continuing programs across a range of areas, the Government recognises the need for an increasingly integrated approach to accessible transport service delivery.

With this in mind, the Government's transport agencies have developed this Action Plan. The Plan outlines:

  • Legal responsibilities of transport agencies;
  • The guiding principles for integrated accessible transport services; and
  • Progress to date and future strategies for the provision of accessible transport services.

The strategies cover far more than infrastructure proposals. These are also about access to information, staff training and employment, promoting positive community attitudes towards the provision of fully accessible transport and procedures for dealing with complaints.

Information

To provide accessible information on public transport services, the Ministry of Transport administers the contract for the 131500 Transport Info call centre, website and TTY facility (1800 637 500). Transport Info enables the provision of feedback in accessible formats and a search and trip planning facility for accessible services is now being trialled.

In order to ensure a more consistent, co-ordinated approach to information provision, the Ministry of Transport is convening a Passenger Information Review Group (PIRG) with representatives from all NSW transport agencies. The PIRG will consider strategies to best achieve Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport (Transport Standards) compliance and the appropriate exploitation of opportunities provided by new information technologies.

Consultation, assistance and advice

The PIRG will consult on issues relating to the provision of information for people with disabilities with the Accessible Transport Consultative Group (ATCG).

The ATCG has been established by the Ministry of Transport with membership drawn from transport agencies, industry and peak disability groups to provide a forum where representatives can provide input to the action planning process, provide advice on current initiatives and enable the access concerns of the community to be brought to Government attention.

In order to assist transport operators and infrastructure owners to meet disability legislation requirements, the Ministry of Transport provides ongoing advice and assistance on the action planning process to the bus and coach industry, local government and community transport organisations.

As part of this process, the Ministry of Transport has provided presentations on accessible transport and action planning to the Local Government and Shires Association (LGSA) and to Transport Working Groups in Gosford, Campbelltown, Bankstown, Coffs Harbour, Ballina, Orange, Bathurst and Newcastle in 2006 and 2007. Advice was also provided to regional organisations of Councils such as WSROC, SSROC and NSROC.

Buses

In the Sydney and Outer Metropolitan areas, the Government is funding the purchase of accessible buses under new contracting arrangements which require operators to comply with disability legislation and produce action plans of their own. An average of 36% of all buses in the Sydney and Outer Metropolitan areas are wheelchair accessible and operators are committed to timetabling those buses on at least 25% of services.

Rail

The Government is progressively upgrading rail infrastructure and rolling stock with 103 (34%) of CityRail stations now being wheelchair accessible and all new rail carriages designed for accessibility, including accessible information provision by digitised audio/visual announcements. In addition to the 141 double-deck suburban 'Millennium' cars and 14 single-deck diesel Hunter Valley cars in service, deliveries of 122 double-deck outer-suburban cars (OSC) have commenced. The Government has recently awarded a $3.6 billion contract for 626 double-deck suburban cars which are anticipated to be progressively in service from the end of 2010 to 2013.

Road-related infrastructure

All new road related infrastructure works comply with the relevant disability standards. To develop integrated pedestrian networks, the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) helps local councils prepare Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plans (PAMPs) with seventy seven now implemented across NSW, including five completed during 2006-07. The RTA also continued supporting councils to implement these plans which enhance safety, convenience and mobility on links between public transport and other key centres of pedestrian movement.

Taxis

To improve access to Wheelchair Accessible Taxi (WAT) services, the Government has introduced a number of initiatives to reduce the cost of owning/operating a WAT and help the industry to meet Transport Standards' requirements for parity between standard and WAT service response times.

These include WAT licences being made available in urban areas for $1000 per annum and at no cost in the country. The need for a new vehicle has been removed (but a ten year age limit has been retained) and interest free loans are available for the purchase of WATs by regional operators. Recently, a trial of a $7.70 'bonus fee'' has commenced to encourage drivers to undertake wheelchair work.

In addition to the responsibilities of individual agencies for strategies under the Plan, the NSW Government's 'Better Together' disability strategy is committed to implementing this Action Plan to better provide accessible transport services. This is also consistent with the State Plan's Priority F2 which seeks to increase employment and community participation for people with disabilities.

Agency Responsibilities

Core Requirements

NSW transport agencies, along with all transport service providers, have responsibilities for the provision of accessible transport services under NSW and Commonwealth legislation and policies as follows:

  • NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977;
  • NSW Disability Services Act 1993;
  • NSW Disability Policy Framework;
  • Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act, 1992; and
  • Commonwealth Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport (effective from 23 October 2002).

The NSW Disability Services Act establishes actions that NSW Government agencies need to undertake in relation to service provision for people with a disability. From this, the Disability Policy Framework requires that agencies develop action plans that document progress towards fully accessible service provision.

The Department of Ageing Disability and Home Care (DADHC) has responsibility for co-ordinating and reporting on disability action plans developed by Government agencies. In relation to the Transport Portfolio, the Ministry of Transport is the nominated co-ordinating agency for the development and co-ordination of transport agency action plans. Therefore, this Action Plan represents progress for all agencies as the focus is on the total transport network, regardless of responsibility for parts of that network.

The Human Rights and Equal Opportunities Commission (HREOC) plays a key role in assessing discrimination issues that may arise in relation to accessible public transport provision and assessing progress towards accessibility compliance. In regard to planning transport services, the Commission has stated that an effective way for transport providers to reflect progress towards accessible compliance is to develop an action plan. There is a link to this Action Plan on the HREOC website.

Commonwealth Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport (the Transport Standards)

The Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act requires that the delivery of services should provide equitable access for those with a disability. The practical applications of the requirements of the Act are outlined in the Transport Standards.

The Transport Standards establish the specific requirements for access to transport services such as establishing the space allocation requirements for wheelchairs on buses and trains, lift and ramp access at railway stations and bus/rail interchanges, and access to transport service information.

In addition to imposing responsibilities on operators of services and providers of infrastructure, the Guidelines to the Transport Standards indicate that passengers must also be able to:

  1. understand information given in spoken, written, tactile or diagrammatic form;
  2. have the capacity to use a mass transit system;
  3. select their destinations, modes and times of travel; and
  4. communicate their destinations where necessary.

Although this would mean that some persons with more severe physical and intellectual disabilities may not be able to access the public transport system, NSW concurs with the Standards' aim of eliminating discrimination as far as possible against people with disabilities. Accordingly, the NSW Government is committed to increasing access to public transport in line with the Standards and also to educating transport staff in how best to achieve the appropriate levels of access for people with a wide range of disabilities.

The Standards were endorsed by the Commonwealth Government on 23 October 2002 and the compliance timetable is in effect from that date.

The implementation phase requires ongoing State and Commonwealth Government commitment to consultation in order to ensure that the Transport Standards continue to reflect the best practical means of providing public transport for people with disabilities. NSW will continue to be represented on a joint Commonwealth - State Consultative Committee overseeing the Transport Standards' implementation. This process includes five year reviews of the Standards' effectiveness which may consider any necessary amendments. The first Five Year Review is currently underway. Importantly, the Transport Standards set down a timetable for compliance for all operators. The timetable is shown in the table below.

Table 1 - Compliance Timeframe

Aspect of service end 2007 end 2012 end 2017 end 2022 end 2032
Information 100%*        
Infrastructure** 25% 55% 90% 100%  
Timetabled bus services 25% 55% 80% 100%  
Coaches 25% 55% 90% 100%  
Rail rolling stock 25% 55% 90% 90% 100%
Taxi services ***        

* Not including bus stops (infrastructure timetable).

** Includes bus stops. In addition, vending machines, gateways, surfaces, handrails & grabrails must be 100% compliant after 10 years.

*** Response times to be the same as for any taxi service.

The Transport Standards assist with greater definition, certainty and flexibility in achieving non-discriminatory accessible services and apply to all operators and the transport vehicles they use to provide transport services and to providers, supporting premises and infrastructure.

The Transport Standards specify certain requirements for buses, trains, stations, bus stops, bus/rail interchanges, ferries and wharves and access to information, including access paths, manoeuvring areas, resting points, waiting areas, ramps, signs, lifts, toilets, doorways, information services, allocated spaces, payment of fares, surfaces, lighting and handrail and grabrails.

Equivalent Access

While the Standards have specific requirements, an operator may also provide 'equivalent access'. This is compliance by providing methods, equipment or facilities that provide alternative means of access with equivalent amenity, availability, comfort, convenience, dignity, price and safety as those methods specified in the Standards. This may include operators or providers offering direct access assistance to passengers. However, this does not include the provision of separate or 'parallel' services.

Complaints

Where a complaint is made to HREOC that a transport provider has discriminated against a passenger by not meeting the requirements of the Transport Standards, the operator may claim that compliance with the Standards would have been 'unjustifiable hardship' (that is, when compliance might be considered to have an 'unjustifiable' affect on the operator's commercial viability).

Exemptions

Should an operator believe that it has sufficient reason for not being able to provide access within the Transport Standards' timeframe, then the operator may apply to HREOC for an exemption from compliance. If the application is upheld, then the provider would be granted a specified exemption for a limited time period. However, beyond that time, the transport provider would be required to comply.

Local Government

Local Government has a major role to play in further integrating accessible public transport services with the provision of accessible bus stops, footpaths and kerbside infrastructure. The Ministry of Transport has provided advice to the Local Government and Shires Association (LG & SA) on legislative requirements and the action planning process and will continue to provide action planning advice to Local Councils in developing practical responses to transport accessibility issues.

Other Responsibilities

In addition to the requirements of the NSW Disability Policy Framework and the Transport Standards, each agency is also responsible for the integration of accessibility measures into each organisation's business planning functions.

While this Action Plan provides the broad direction on the major components of integrated accessible transport services in NSW and progress towards improving those services, each agency continues to have specific responsibilities across their organisations in relation to issues such as providing an accessible workplace and providing equal employment opportunities for those with a disability.

Many of these issues are developed through corporate and business planning processes within each agency. The results from this planning should be reported in each agency's annual reports. The Ministry of Transport, in consultation with the DADHC, has a key role to play in ensuring this reporting process covers the detailed matters that each agency has to address in relation to people with a disability.

The Guiding Principles

Access for the Entire Community

Transport accessibility is the provision of information, infrastructure and transport services that provides for equitable access for the entire community. The community includes many people who experience mobility difficulties such as older persons and people with a disability.

To quantify the scale of the issue, it has been estimated that approximately 18% of the Australian population have some form of disability (Source: Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) prepared for the draft Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport (1998)) and that over 10% of the Australian population experience impairments that affect their mobility. In addition, mobility problems are experienced by people without disabilities including parents with small children and many older persons. Within this context, there is an ongoing and broader need to move towards a fully accessible transport system.

Integrating Accessible Transport Services

Accessible transport needs to provide for 'whole of journey' accessibility, including seamless transfers across modes. That is, a journey may require travel by rail, bus, ferry or taxi with interchange between those modes. The journey can only be successfully undertaken under fully accessible conditions when information, infrastructure and services are accessible. To achieve full accessibility, a co-ordinated approach to transport service delivery is required.

The transport agencies have developed this Action Plan to better integrate resources and co-ordinate and maximise benefits. As a first step, the integration of fully accessible services should consider both current and planned fixed infrastructure such as railway stations, bus/rail interchanges, ferry wharves and roads.

In this regard, the Action Plan seeks to promote the integration of accessible services so that:

  • Access to information (including print, telephone and internet) is consistent in style and content;
  • Accessible railway stations, bus/rail interchanges and ferry wharves are reasonably distributed across the transport system;
  • All new public transport infrastructure (e.g. light rail and transitways) is accessible;
  • New infrastructure is located where it can maximise benefits;
  • Fully accessible train services are reasonably distributed across the CityRail and CountryLink networks;
  • Accessible bus and ferry services are developed in tandem with accessible infrastructure; and
  • Taxi service performance is monitored across the transport network, including the response times for bookings of wheelchair accessible taxis.

To achieve these aims, strong working relationships between each of the transport agencies are required. The Portfolio is in the process of developing appropriate policy guidelines to assist in the coordinated development of a fully accessible and integrated transport system.

The Government contracts public transport services from private operators who are responsible for developing their own action plans and the Ministry of Transport has provided advice to the bus industry peak organisation and operators on obligations under the Commonwealth's Disability Transport Standards and the action planning process.

Action Plan

Priority Areas for Action

The Action Plan addresses priority areas broadly in accordance with those outlined in the NSW Disability Policy Framework. These are:

  • Information about transport services;
  • Physical access to transport services and infrastructure;
  • Access to complaints procedures;
  • Employment and staff training within transport agencies; and
  • Promoting positive community attitudes.

Under each priority area, the barriers facing people with disabilities have been listed, followed by strategies to overcome these barriers. The Transport Portfolio is responsible for progressing various strategies, including assigning a specific budget where applicable, a target and achievements to date. In this way, progress towards full compliance with the Disability Standards can be readily tracked over time. However, as many Portfolio activities related to disability access are integrated into agency planning, it is not always possible to identify separate components for budget purposes and this is indicated by the notation 'within current budget'.

Physical Access to Transport Services

With regard to physical access, in addition to the strategies identified, a summary and several maps have been prepared (see overleaf) to identify accessible infrastructure and services across the network and those locations where upgrades are proposed.

Reporting Protocols

To ensure this Action Plan remains current, progress needs to be reported at regular intervals. The Ministry of Transport will ensure that this Action Plan is updated at six-monthly intervals on the accessibility achieved against the Standards' compliance targets.

Consultation

To further adopt an integrated approach to service provision, transport agency consultation with disability and other groups needs to be co-ordinated so that the needs of these groups are fully considered. Additionally, a co-ordinated approach will assist agencies in the provision of infrastructure and services knowing that a consistent message from the disability community is being received.

As indicated in the Introduction, the Accessible Transport Consultative Group, which is made up of representatives from Government transport agencies, peak disability groups and industry, will be assisting the NSW Government to review and update this Action Plan.

Summary of Accessible Services and Infrastructure - As at June 2008

1) Rail Services

Aspect of Service/Infrastructure Number Accessible Total Number % Accessible
Wheelchair accessible stations in the CityRail network 108 304 36%
Wheelchair accessible stations in the CountryLink network 62 67 93%
CityRail suburban carriages * 1267 1267 100%
CityRail outer-suburban / intercity carriages * 133 342 39%
CityRail / CountryLink regional trains * 33 33 100%

* All rail services use portable boarding ramps and direct assistance.

2) Bus Services

a) Vehicles

1669 of the 4011 buses in the Sydney and Outer Metropolitan Areas (41.6%) are currently accessible (approximately 47% Sydney Metro and 24% Outer Metropolitan areas).

b) Timetabled Accessible Services

Approximately 30% of bus services in both the Sydney Metropolitan and Outer Metropolitan areas were timetabled as accessible as at 30 June 2008. It is not possible to more accurately estimate this percentage as a small minority of bus operators have not been able to provide accurate reports to the Ministry on how many of their accessible services are timetabled.

3) Taxi Services

Although taxi services did not meet the requirement in the Transport Standards for Wheelchair Accessible Taxi (WAT) response times to be the same as for Standard Taxis by 31 December 2007, statistics show that response times are improving over time. It should be noted that response time statistics are only available for the Sydney Metropolitan Area.

Average Taxi Response Times (Sydney Metropolitan Area)

Taxi Type 2006/07 2007/08
Standard Taxi 7.58 minutes 8.35 minutes
WAT 11.41 minutes 9.97 minutes

This represents a 12.6% improvement in WAT response times from 2006/07 to 2007/08.

Similarly, the number of WATs as a percentage of both the Sydney Metropolitan and Outer Metropolitan/Rural and Regional Taxi fleets has grown.

Numbers of WATs

Area No. of WATs % of Fleet Improvement Since December 2007
Sydney Metro 470 9.1% +13.5%
Outer Metro & Rural & Regional 236 17.5% +8.7%

4) Transport Interchanges, Ferries and Wharves

Aspect of Service/Infrastructure Number Accessible Total Number % Accessible
Transport interchanges* 15 30 50%
Sydney Ferries and State Transit (Newcastle Ferries) ferries ** 32 32 100%
Commuter Wharves      
Sydney 23 50 46%
Newcastle 2 2 100%

* As the definition of an interchange varies from purpose-built facilities linking various transport modes to bus stops adjacent to rail stations, the table only considers current purpose-built facilities.

** All ferries are accessible utilising manually deployed gangways and direct assistance.

Information About Transport Services

BARRIER: People with a disability do not always have accessible information. ACHIEVED TARGET
STRATEGY: Provision of accessible information on websites. ('Accessible' information is that which meets the requirements of the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport.)

RESPONSIBILITY: Ministry of Transport and all providers of transport services.

BUDGET: Within information technology budgets.
  • All agencies currently provide information on public transport services (including wheelchair accessible taxis WATs) and infrastructure on their websites. Some work remains to be done on ensuring information is in accessible formats.
  • www.countrylink.info upgraded to meet all W3C level 1, 2 and most of level 3 accessibility checks.
  • www.cityrail.info upgrade to W3C priorities in planning stage.
  • The Ministry requires private bus operators to provide accessible information on websites as a condition of new bus contracts.
 All agencies to provide information on their respective websites in accessible formats.
STRATEGY: Information on all transport services to be placed on the Transport Info 131 500 and website (www.131500.com.au.)

RESPONSIBILITY: Ministry of Transport with input from transport agencies and transport providers.

BUDGET: Within information technology budgets.
  • Information on all public transport services is available on the Transport Info 131 500, including call centre, website and TTY facility (1800 637 500).
  • This includes non government transport providers such as private bus operators. A search facility for accessible services now being trialled.
 The 131 500 Transport Info website complies with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines issued by Office of Information Technology.
STRATEGY: Provide and promote telephone typewriter (TTY) facilities to assist people with hearing impairment.

RESPONSIBILITY: All agencies.

BUDGET: Within existing budget.
  • Transport Info 131 500 has TTY facility 1800 637 500 for customer information regarding RailCorp, State Transit, Sydney Ferries.
  • The Roads and Traffic Authority and Ministry of Transport have TTY facilities.
 Maintain availability of TTY facilities.
STRATEGY: Ensure the implementation of new information systems across a range of modes and transport tasks improves information accessibility for people with disabilities.

RESPONSIBILITY: Ministry of Transport with input from transport agencies and other transport providers.

BUDGET: Within current budget.		 The Ministry is convening a Passenger Information Review Group (PIRG) with representatives from all NSW transport agencies to ensure:
  • A more consistent, co-ordinated approach to information provision;
  • DDA compliance will be achieved; and
  • The appropriate exploitation of opportunities provided by new technology.
 Accessibility of all new information systems.
STRATEGY: Provide hearing loops in infrastructure (where required)

RESPONSIBILITY: All agencies.

BUDGET: Within existing budget.		 Hearing loops have been provided at 81% of attended CityRail booking offices and at all Roads and Traffic Authority motor registries. Ongoing improvement.
STRATEGY: Improve destination signage and voice announcements on rail stations.

RESPONSIBILITY: RailCorp

BUDGET: $12 million in 2007-08.
  • 58% of CityRail passengers have access to improved electronic visual destination information.
  • 100% of CityRail passengers have access to audio information via digitised voice announcements (DVA) or long line public address (PA).
  • Staff training in announcements and use of PA in progress for station and information control staff and planned for train guards and drivers.
  • 'Golden Mic' Awards (open to staff and customer nomination) introduced to reward rail staff for clear and informative announcements.
 Ongoing installation of larger, clearer displays.

See 'Achieved'

Ongoing improvement.
STRATEGY: All new transport infrastructure projects to have accessible destination signage and/or voice announcements.

RESPONSIBILITY: All agencies providing transport services.

BUDGET: Within existing construction budget.
  • Liverpool-Parramatta Transitway incorporates electronic destination signage and voice announcements. Also, Transitway buses have hearing loops and on-board announcements of stops installed.
  • Accessible destination signage and voice announcements installed at new Parramatta Transport Interchange.
 All new transport infrastructure projects to have accessible destination signage and/or voice announcements.
STRATEGY: Ensure:
  • Passengers with disabilities have accessible information on altered services (e.g. track work on rail lines); and
  • That information provided on altered timetables is available in accessible formats.
RESPONSIBILITY: The Ministry of Transport and all agencies providing transport services.

BUDGET: Within existing budgets.
  • Information is available prior to track work on altered services via:
    • The Transport Info 131 500 (website, call centre & TTY)
    • CityRail station 'Trackwork' posters;
    • Weekly free subscription email advice; and
    • Major promotions (when required).
  • Information on major alterations to metropolitan bus services, Sydney Ferries' services, and RailCorp services is available on the Transport Info 131 500 (website, call centre & TTY).
  • The Ministry requires all private bus operators to provide information on altered timetables as a condition of contract.
 Minimise complaints from people with disabilities regarding altered services.
STRATEGY: Timetables in alternative formats to be available on request from operators.

RESPONSIBILITY: The Ministry of Transport and all agencies providing transport services.

BUDGET: Within existing budgets.
  • All agencies provide timetables in alternative formats on request.
  • New contracts with the Ministry require private bus operators to offer timetables in accessible formats and they have been reminded of this obligation.
 See 'Achieved.'
STRATEGY: Implement newly improved format for bus timetables (format and font easier to read).

RESPONSIBILITY: Ministry of Transport.

BUDGET: Within existing budgets.
  • Development of new format for all Sydney and Outer Metropolitan timetables advanced.
  • All bus stops and ferry wharves have been allocated a unique number that can be used to access timetable information.
  • Interactive Voice Response technology has been operational for bus timetable information since 16 June 2003.
 All timetables to be available in accessible formats on request.

All Sydney and Outer Metropolitan bus operators to be using new format by end-2008.
STRATEGY: Introduce guidelines for transit stop signage and wayfinding that maximises readability and legibility.

RESPONSIBILITY: Ministry of Transport.

BUDGET: Within existing budgets.
  • Best Practice Guidelines for NSW Transport Signage and Information Displays available on website at: www.transport.nsw.gov.au.
  • Further development of transport signage requirements, including accessibility, is underway.
 Ongoing improvement.
STRATEGY: Provide information on accessible services for major events in alternative formats with consistent style and layout.

RESPONSIBILITY: Ministry of Transport.

BUDGET: Within existing budgets.		 General and accessible event transport information is available on the Transport Info 131 500, including website, call centre and TTY facility. No complaints from persons with a disability regarding access to information on major events.
STRATEGY: To ensure passengers with disabilities are charged the correct fare, taxi drivers are required to issue a receipt.

RESPONSIBILITY: Taxi industry and Ministry of Transport.

BUDGET: No budget required.		 The Passenger Transport Act (Taxi-cab Services) Regulation 2001 requires drivers to issue receipts to people with disabilities. See 'Achieved.'
STRATEGY: To assist vision-impaired persons and people with intellectual disabilities, auxiliary display units are required where the taxi fare on the face of the meter might not be visible at all times.

RESPONSIBILITY: Taxi Industry and Ministry of Transport.

BUDGET: No budget required.		 The Passenger Transport Act (Taxi-cab Services) Regulation 2001 requires the use of auxiliary display units when the fare is not visible. See 'Achieved.'
STRATEGY: Increase distribution and access to information re: NSW Maritime services to persons with a disability.

RESPONSIBILITY: NSW Maritime.

BUDGET: No budget required.
  • NSW Maritime 131256 Info operates on a seven day basis and includes a recorded information service.
  • Six core safety messages are available on the NSW Maritime website (www.maritime.nsw.gov.au) in four languages.
  • The Safe Boating Handbook is also available on the website with adjustable font size.
 Information is accessible and consistent across voice and data mediums.
STRATEGY: Investigate information provision in alternate formats at Motor Registries.

RESPONSIBILITY: RTA.

BUDGET: Within existing budget.
  • An audio facility is available on the RTA's Driver Knowledge Test and Hazard Perception Test, available in ten languages.
  • There is a free interpreter service for other languages.
  • Information provision in alternate formats at Motor Registries has been reviewed to ensure vision and colour-impaired persons are not disadvantaged.
 Ongoing improvement.
STRATEGY: Provide teletext to television advertising to assist persons with a hearing impairment.

RESPONSIBILITY: All agencies.

BUDGET: Within existing budget.
  • Advertising agencies have been instructed to ensure teletext captions are used in all RTA television commercials.
  • All RailCorp television advertising includes captioning.
 Captioning to continue in all television advertising.
BARRIER: The disability community is not always fully informed of current and future projects to provide accessible transport. ACHIEVED TARGET
STRATEGY: Consultation with Disability Groups; ageing boaters; and young boaters with disabilities; regarding access requirements of boaters with mobility problems and implement outcomes.

RESPONSIBILITY: NSW Maritime.

BUDGET: Within existing budget.		 NSW Maritime consults with boaters with disabilities on an ongoing basis in a variety of ways. For example with:
  • 'Sailors with Disabilities' over Sydney Harbour Week; and
  • Local Government Access Groups over funding for local government boating facilities.
 Continued use of established consultation mechanisms.
STRATEGY: The establishment of the Local and Community Transport Branch in the Ministry of Transport to provide improved transport solutions for the transport disadvantaged through:
  • Developing an integrated approach to better coordinate and utilise existing transport resources.
  • Improved service delivery at the local level.
  • Administering Community Transport funding.
RESPONSIBILITY: Ministry of Transport.

BUDGET: Within existing budget.
  • Local and Community Transport Branch established;
  • Transport Coordinators employed; and
  • Transport Working Groups in rural and regional NSW and other working project partnerships in Metropolitan Sydney established.
 Maintain better co-ordination of transport services.
STRATEGY: Ensure consultation is carried out with the disability community for the consideration of information, infrastructure and other initiatives being progressed by transport agencies

RESPONSIBILITY: Ministry of Transport in conjunction with other agencies.

BUDGET: Within existing budget.		 Establishment of the Accessible Transport Consultative Group, with representatives from Government, peak disability groups and industry, to provide a forum in which:
  • advice can be provided on the action planning process and current initiatives; and
  • the access concerns of the community can be raised.
The disability sector and access consultants are consulted on major rail infrastructure and train projects.		 Maintain consultation mechanism with the disability community, industry, transport agencies and other affected stakeholders.

Physical access to transport services and infrastructure

BARRIER: Transport vehicles may not be fully accessible. ACHIEVED TARGET
STRATEGY: Provide access to portable boarding ramps on all CityRail station platforms.

RESPONSIBILITY: RailCorp.

BUDGET: Within existing budget.
  • Boarding ramps installed at 100% of operational CityRail platforms.
  • Tenders called to provide lighter ramps on stations.
 See 'Achieved.'
STRATEGY: All new trains to carry portable boarding ramps.

RESPONSIBILITY: RailCorp.

BUDGET: Within existing budget.		 New Hunter and outer-suburban cars carry ramps. All new PPP suburban cars to carry ramps.
STRATEGY: Reduce the gap between the platform and train.

RESPONSIBILITY: RailCorp.

BUDGET: $6.88 million over 6 years to 2007-08.		 Work continues. Ongoing improvement.
STRATEGY: Improve colour contrast of the doors on the suburban rail fleet to assist passengers who are vision-impaired.

RESPONSIBILITY: RailCorp.

BUDGET: Within existing budget.		 63% of existing CityRail fleet has contrasted doors. Completion of the existing fleet is expected by 2008-09.
STRATEGY: Improve door control and provide door closing warning on all existing suburban rail cars.

RESPONSIBILITY: RailCorp.

BUDGET: $18 million.		 All new rail cars have improved door control, door warning tone and digitised voice announcements (DVA). Continued installation of improved door control on existing suburban rail cars.
STRATEGY: Introduce accessible new rail rolling stock.

RESPONSIBILITY: RailCorp.

BUDGET: The following amounts have been committed:
  • $466 million: 141 double-deck 'Millennium' cars.
  • $102 million: 14 single-deck diesel Hunter Valley cars.
  • $439 million:122 double-deck outer-suburban cars (OSC).
  • $3.6 billion - 626 double-deck suburban cars.
  • 141 Millennium cars in service.
  • 4 Hunter single deck diesel cars in service.
  • 8 OSC cars in service and ongoing manufacture and delivery of remaining double deck electric outer-suburban cars in progress.
  • Contract awarded and design development in progress for PPP cars.
 All Hunter cars in service by end 2007.

All OSC in service by end 2008.

PPP cars progressively in service from end 2010-2013.
STRATEGY: Make all CountryLink coach services accessible.

RESPONSIBILITY: RailCorp.

BUDGET: Within existing budget.		 All contracted CountryLink coach services are wheelchair accessible without prior notice. See 'Achieved.'
STRATEGY: Improve accessibility of rail replacement bus services used at night and during track work and emergencies.

RESPONSIBILITY: RailCorp.

BUDGET: Within existing budget.		 Accessibility requirements included in bus operator rail replacement contracts. See 'Achieved.'
STRATEGY: The Bus Reform process to introduce new bus contracts that require:
  • Compliance with DDA Transport Standards;
  • Preparation of Action Plans; and
  • Consultation with roads authorities over bus stops/facilities.
RESPONSIBILITY: Ministry of Transport.

BUDGET: Approximately $10 million per annum for the range of increased obligations under new bus contracts.
  • New contracts in place for metropolitan Sydney and Outer Metropolitan areas.
  • Approximately 1,500 of the 4,000 buses in Sydney (40%) and Outer Metropolitan areas (24%) are currently accessible.
  • Action Plans submitted by operators in compliance with new bus contracts.
  • All Sydney and Outer Metropolitan operators are working to ensure they have at least 25% of services timetabled as accessible with timetables available on the 131 500 Transport Info and website.
 Implement new contract arrangements for rural and regional services with accessibility compliance requirements from mid-2008.
STRATEGY: Government to purchase only low floor, accessible buses.

RESPONSIBILITY: Ministry of Transport

BUDGET: $115 million spent on new buses since October 2005.		 All new buses purchased are low floor and accessible for wheelchairs. Approximately 40% of Sydney Metropolitan and 24% of Outer Metropolitan buses were accessible in December 2007. Compliance with the timetable for the Disability Standards. That is:
  • 25% of services accessible after five years,
  • 55% after ten years,
  • 80% after 15 years, and
  • 100% at 20 years).
STRATEGY: Expand timetabled accessible services as buses become available.

RESPONSIBILITY: Ministry of Transport in conjunction with operators.

BUDGET: Within existing budget.		 Action Plans submitted by operators in compliance with new bus contracts commit to expanding timetabled accessible services in compliance with DDA requirements. Compliance with the timetable for the Disability Standards. That is:
  • 25% of services accessible after five years,
  • 55% after ten years,
  • 80% after 15 years, and
  • 100% at 20 years).
STRATEGY: Introduce strategies to reduce the cost of owning/operating a Wheelchair Accessible Taxi (WAT) so that WAT numbers increase and response times improve.

RESPONSIBILITY: Ministry of Transport with the taxi industry.

BUDGET: Within existing budget.
  • In urban areas WAT licences are $1,000 per annum and in the country they are free.
  • New network standards require response times for WATs to meet those for standard taxis.
  • The requirement for a new vehicle has been removed.
  • Interest free loans are available for the purchase of WATs by regional operators.
  • WAT licence conditions require only a single wheelchair instead of two.
  • A trial of a $10 payment to WAT drivers undertaking WAT work on Christmas Day and Easter Sunday was undertaken between December 2005 to December 2007.
  • From December 2007, a trial of a $7.70 'incentive payment' for each WAT job has commenced to encourage drivers to do more WAT work.
  • The Ministry is actively monitoring compliance with WAT licence conditions which require WAT jobs to be given priority.
 Continued assistance to help the taxi industry improve WAT response times.
STRATEGY: Review of the Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme (TTSS). Terms of reference are to:
  • address fraud risks including measures for dealing with Scheme abuse;
  • ensure the full costs of the Scheme are identified and the full benefits are realised;
  • improve service levels to beneficiaries; and
  • cater for the growth of the Scheme.
RESPONSIBILITY: Ministry of Transport.

BUDGET: Within existing budget.
  • The report is under consideration.
  • The Ministry has established a program to audit TTSS dockets and undertakes investigations where it appears that they may have been abuse of the TTSS.
 Ongoing improvement.
STRATEGY: Provision of advice to the taxi industry on action planning for accessible transport outcomes.

RESPONSIBILITY: Ministry of Transport.

BUDGET: Within existing budget.		 The NSW Taxi Council has prepared a draft Action Plan and has asked for comments from stakeholders before publication. Preparation of Action Plans by the taxi industry.
STRATEGY: As people with disabilities may require specific car restraint requirements for their private vehicles, the Roads and Traffic Authority will review and develop standards for a variety of restraint systems.

RESPONSIBILITY: Roads and Traffic Authority.

BUDGET: Within existing budget.
  • In 2006-07 the RTA Crashlab conducted a total of 62 vehicle crash tests and 450 dynamic sled tests including testing of child restraints, wheelchair restraints, seat belts, bus seats, aircraft seats and miscellaneous devices.
  • The following documents have been published to provide certification requirements and construction and equipment standards for vehicles modified to transport people with disabilities.
    • Vehicle Inspectors' Bulletin No.36 Taxis Designed to transport people in wheelchairs;
    • Vehicle Standards Information No.21 Vehicles modified for people with disabilities; and
    • Vehicle Standards Information No.2 Containing information on companies who can modify hand and foot controls.
  • These and are available on the website www.rta.nsw.gov.au.
 Continued update of requirements for car restraints for drivers with physical disabilities.
BARRIER: Accessible services are not always integrated across transport modes and infrastructure. ACHIEVED TARGET
STRATEGY: Co-ordinate infrastructure upgrades that provide for improved service integration, including development of policy guidelines to be used as a reference by each transport agency.

RESPONSIBILITY: Ministry of Transport/Treasury.

BUDGET: Within existing budgets.		 In response to a commitment in the Government's 'Better Together' initiative, the Ministry of Transport and Treasury are currently discussing the establishment of a working party to better co-ordinate infrastructure planning and investment. Improved co-ordination of infrastructure planning and investment.
STRATEGY: Ensure accessible transport is available to major events co-ordinated by Ministry of Transport's Major Events Unit (which coordinates event management to ensure a seamless delivery of services to the public).

RESPONSIBILITY: Ministry of Transport.

BUDGET: Within existing budgets.
  • Accessible bus services are timetabled to all major events held at Sydney Olympic Park.
  • Ministry of Transport participates in committees established for Moore Park, Central Sydney and Sydney Olympic Park precincts.
 Maintain or improve levels of accessibility for major events.
BARRIER: Fixed transport infrastructure is not fully accessible. ACHIEVED TARGET
STRATEGY: Ensure consideration of the access needs of people with disabilities during the earliest stages of project planning.

RESPONSIBILITY: All agencies.

BUDGET: Within existing budgets.		 All recent major projects are accessible:
  • Airport Rail Link;
  • Sydney Light Rail;
  • Parramatta and Chatswood Transport Interchanges accessible;
  • All new rail stations are designed to be accessible (e.g.: three new stations on Epping to Chatswood rail link); and
  • 100% of trunk bus operations on the Liverpool to Parramatta Transitway are accessible.
 All new projects to include consideration of physical access needs in the planning stage.
STRATEGY: Progressively upgrade access to existing CityRail stations.

RESPONSIBILITY: RailCorp.

BUDGET: $430 million invested in Easy Access Program up to end December 2007. $43 million in 2007-08.
  • 103 (34%) of stations and 70% of passengers have independent wheelchair access.
  • An additional 21% of stations are wheelchair accessible with the help of a friend or carer.
  • 15 Easy Access upgrades under construction or due to commence by end 2007-08 with 3 stations under construction under other programs (e.g.: Rail Clearways).
  • 4 stations in design.
 36% CityRail stations to be wheelchair accessible by end 2007-08.
STRATEGY: Improve accessible pathways on rail platforms.

RESPONSIBILITY: RailCorp.

BUDGET: Within existing budgets.
  • Vending machine contract includes installation / relocation of machines in line with accessible pathway requirements.
  • Platform audit of existing obstacles in planning stage.
 Ongoing improvement.
STRATEGY: Platform crossfall rectification program

RESPONSIBILITY: RailCorp.

BUDGET: $3 million 2006-2008		 Platform crossfall rectification program in progress. Ongoing improvement.
STRATEGY: Ensure issues of people with disabilities are included in Station Crowd Management Plans to ensure safe access to heavily trafficked platforms.

RESPONSIBILITY: RailCorp.

BUDGET: Within existing budget.		 Station Crowd Management Plans include consideration of people with disabilities. See 'Achieved.'
STRATEGY: Improve way finding in stations.

RESPONSIBILITY: RailCorp.

BUDGET: Within existing budget.		 Ongoing. Ongoing improvement.
STRATEGY: Ensure that all new retail concessions at railway stations, ferry wharves and transport interchanges are accessible.

RESPONSIBILITY: RailCorp, State Transit Authority, Maritime NSW and Ministry of Transport.

BUDGET: Within existing budget.		 Ongoing. All new retail concessions to be accessible.
STRATEGY: Review and enhance current improvement plan for reducing car and truck parking infringements that prevent accessible buses from deploying ramps at bus stops. This includes bus stop delineation trials undertaken by the Roads and Traffic Authority and State Transit.

RESPONSIBILITY: State Transit; Roads and Traffic Authority.

BUDGET: Within existing budget.		 Following joint State Transit/RTA trials, State Transit's Bus Stop Style Guide has been distributed to all parking enforcement agencies and contains bus stop delineation standards (e.g.: kerb height and access standards).

The Guide is available on the State Transit website: www.sydneybuses.nsw.gov.au.		 Reduced car and truck parking infringements at bus stops.
STRATEGY: Improve access to appropriate parking spaces for drivers with mobility problems by:
  • Ensuring all Mobility Parking Authority Scheme (MPAS) users receive automatic renewal notices by mail;
  • Maintaining a confidential register on DRIVES of authorised users in the MPAS; and
  • Seeking the assistance of the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care to review the criteria and application of the MPAS to prevent its misuse by unauthorised persons.
RESPONSIBILITY: Roads and Traffic Authority.

BUDGET: Within existing budget.
  • All Mobility Parking Authority Scheme holders are now receiving automatic renewal notices.
  • The confidential register of authorised users of the MPAS on DRIVES continues to be maintained as is monitoring of the Mobility Parking Scheme (MPS) in consultation with peak disability groups.
  • The fines for certain MPS offences have been increased from penalty level 7 to penalty level 10.
  • The RTA introduced the NSW Photo Card, a voluntary identification card to help NSW residents who are 16 years or older and who are unable or choose not to obtain a driver licence and find it difficult to access services that require photo identification.
  • The feasibility of adding an online application form for NSW Photo Cards was investigated to improve accessibility particularly for vision impaired customers who experience difficulty completing a form.
  • In 2005-06 the RTA developed transport access guides for metropolitan motor registries to provide its customers with an equitable and sustainable option.
 Ongoing improvements in administration and delivery of the MPAS.
STRATEGY: Review and enhance current improvement plan for reducing car and truck parking infringements that prevent accessible buses from deploying ramps at bus stops. This includes bus stop delineation trials undertaken by the Roads and Traffic Authority and State Transit.

RESPONSIBILITY: State Transit; Roads and Traffic Authority.

BUDGET: Within existing budget		 Following joint State Transit/RTA trials, State Transit's Bus Stop Style Guide has been distributed to all parking enforcement agencies and contains bus stop delineation standards (e.g.: kerb height and access standards).

The Guide is available on the State Transit website: www.sydneybuses.nsw.gov.au.		 Reduced car and truck parking infringements at bus stops.
STRATEGY: Ensure that all new ferry wharves incorporate accessibility requirements.

RESPONSIBILITY: Ministry of Transport and NSW Maritime.

BUDGET: Budgets allocated on a project by project basis.		 Accessible wharves completed at:
  • Abbotsford;
  • Elliott Street, Balmain;
  • Chiswick;
  • Cabarita;
  • Kissing Point;
  • Meadowbank;
  • Stockton; &
  • Circular Quay.
The refurbishment of Manly Wharf incorporates the accessible needs of users and a new lift disability access for JetCat services has been installed at Circular Quay.		 All new ferry wharf projects to include consideration of physical access needs in the planning stage.
STRATEGY: Ensure regular inspection and maintenance of wharf infrastructure to prevent safety problems for people with disabilities.

RESPONSIBILITY: NSW Maritime.

BUDGET: Within annual maintenance budget.		 Current maintenance contract provides for regular inspections and out-of-hours emergency repairs. Ongoing improvement in wharf safety.
BARRIER: The State Road network may not be fully accessible. ACHIEVED TARGET
STRATEGY: Review pedestrian strategies and State Road network standards to improve the quality of the road environment for pedestrians with mobility impairments. This includes:
  • The application of relevant Disability Standards to all new infrastructure (such as kerb ramps, ramps to pedestrian bridges and traffic signals);
  • The development of Pedestrian Access Mobility Plans (PAMPs); and
  • Upgrading existing facilities such as traffic lights with audio-tactile buttons.
RESPONSIBILITY: Roads and Traffic Authority.

BUDGET: Within existing budget.
  • All new infrastructure works comply with the relevant disability standards.
  • To develop integrated pedestrian networks, the RTA helped local councils prepare Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plans (PAMPs).
  • Seventy seven councils now have a PAMP across the State, including five completed during 2006-07.
  • The RTA also continued supporting councils to implement these plans which enhance safety, convenience and mobility on links between public transport and other key centres of pedestrian movement.
 Ongoing improvement.
STRATEGY:
 Review road network standards and signage to improve access, including access to emergency roadside telephones, rest areas and bus stops.

RESPONSIBILITY: Roads and Traffic Authority.

BUDGET: Within existing budget.
  • The Roads and Traffic Authority Design Guide requires that the requirements of people with disabilities (location and height) be considered when installing emergency roadside telephones.
  • Emergency roadside telephones and rest areas continue to be progressively upgraded with signage symbols and disabled access.
  • New assets include these features. All designs for rest areas incorporate access and facilities for people with a disability.
  • In 200607, seven new rest areas were built and two were upgraded.
  • Maps showing rest areas are available from motor registries and the RTA website.
 Continue to consider the needs of persons with disabilities in design and placement of road network infrastructure.
STRATEGY: Assist vision-impaired persons to see road marking in wet weather and low light by using high visibility line markings where needed.

RESPONSIBILITY: Roads and Traffic Authority.

BUDGET: Within existing budget.		 High visibility road markings are used on 100% of the NSW State Road network. See 'Achieved.'
BARRIER: Fixed local government transport infrastructure may not be fully accessible. ACHIEVED TARGET
STRATEGY: Provide advice on infrastructure requirements and action planning to local government through liaison with the Local Government and Shires Association (LGSA) and presentations to Transport Working Groups.

RESPONSIBILITY: Ministry of Transport.

BUDGET: Within existing budget.
  •  Presentations provided to the LGSA and to Transport Working Groups in Gosford, Campbelltown, Bankstown, Coffs Harbour, Ballina, Orange, Bathurst and Newcastle in 2006 and 2007.
  • Advice also provided to WSROC, SSROC and NSROC.
 Continued provision of assistance to local government.

Ongoing improvement in local government bus stop infrastructure, in line with the Transport Standards.
STRATEGY: Consultation with Local Government during regional bus network planning process to provide accessible infrastructure to meet bus services.

RESPONSIBILITY: Ministry of Transport.

BUDGET: Within existing budget.		 Bus network planning ongoing in the Sydney Metropolitan Area includes consultation with local government. Ongoing improvement.
STRATEGY: Promote Improving Transport Choice guidelines to encourage local government to consult with disability groups at early stages of transport and land use planning.

RESPONSIBILITY: Ministry of Transport, Roads and Traffic Authority and Department of Planning.

BUDGET: Within existing budget.		 Improving Transport Choice guidelines released in September 2001. Preparation of local government transport and land-use planning instruments to include consultation with disability groups in the early stages of plan preparation.
BARRIER: Pedestrian level crossings (at rail lines) may have safety problems for people with disabilities. ACHIEVED TARGET
STRATEGY: The Level Crossings Working Group is examining access for people with disabilities at pedestrian level crossings.

RESPONSIBILITY: Ministry of Transport, Independent Transport Safety and Reliability Regulator, RailCorp and Roads and Traffic Authority.

BUDGET: Within existing budgets.
  • Pedestrian level crossing design standards have been amended following consultation with and tests by disability peak groups of an improved design.
  • In 2006-07, six major railway level crossing upgrades were undertaken in NSW as part of the Railway Level Crossing Safety Upgrade Program. These major improvements included converting sites from passive to active traffic control by using lights, bells and boom gates.
  • At six sites across NSW signal lamps were upgraded with LED. Minor road realignments and investigations for future upgrade sites were also undertaken.
 Ongoing upgrades to pedestrian level crossing facilities.
BARRIER: The corporate facilities of Transport portfolio agencies may not be fully physically accessible. ACHIEVED TARGET
STRATEGY: Undertake access audits as part of Asset Management Plans and make changes where necessary.

RESPONSIBILITY: All agencies.

BUDGET: Within asset management budgets.
  • Ministry of Transport (all offices), NSW Maritime (Rozelle Bay and Kent St), RailCorp (Chippendale) and State Transit (Strawberry Hills) corporate offices are accessible.
  • The RTA's 129 motor registries are accessible and leased premises are progressively being upgraded to full accessibility.
  • Sydney Ferries' corporate offices are accessible.
 Ongoing improvement of physical access to transport agency offices.

Access to complaints procedures

BARRIER: Public transport passengers with disabilities have indicated that complaint mechanisms are not fully accessible. ACHIEVED TARGET
STRATEGY: Review communication channels suitable for persons with a disability and incorporate the results of the review in the development of a new integrated customer relations management system.

RESPONSIBILITY: Agencies providing transport services.

BUDGET: Within asset management budgets.		 Achieved. A centralised complaints system is in place through the 131 500 Transport Info by telephone (131 500); TTY telephone (1800 637 500) and website (www.131500.com.au).

In addition, customers can email the following service providers: CountryLink customers can also phone in complaints to (02) 9379 4850.		 Maintain effectiveness of centralised complaints system.
STRATEGY: An improved customer feedback system is being developed to increase taxi networks' accountability for complaint handling to improve complaints procedures.

RESPONSIBILITY: Ministry of Transport in conjunction with the taxi industry.

BUDGET: Within existing budgets.		 Achieved. The new Customer Feedback Management System for taxi services is complete and complaints can now be registered from anywhere in NSW through the 131 500 Transport Info. See 'Achieved.'

Employment and staff training within transport agencies

BARRIER: Corporate planning may not include consideration of employees with disabilities. ACHIEVED TARGET
STRATEGY: All corporate plans should include Public Sector Workforce Office approved strategies to encourage the employment of people with disabilities and to assist their continued employment.

RESPONSIBILITY: All agencies.

BUDGET: Within existing budgets.		 All agencies have strategies to increase workforce participation by people with disabilities and assist their continued employment. This includes:
  • Workplace adjustments targeted in EEO Plans;
  • Regular updates of staff disability profiles through EEO surveys and/or induction data;
  • Alternate information formats and technology available;
  • Flexible working arrangements; and
  • Traineeship programs (underway at RailCorp).
 Ongoing compliance.
BARRIER: Business planning may not include consideration of potential passengers with disabilities and road/NSW Maritime users with disabilities. ACHIEVED TARGET
STRATEGY: All business plans should include strategies to ensure transport needs of people with disabilities are met.

RESPONSIBILITY: All agencies.

BUDGET: Within existing budgets.		 All planning includes the needs of people with disabilities. For example, all new agency projects are required to be fully accessible. Continued inclusion of accessibility requirements in business planning by agencies.
STRATEGY: Incorporate the provision of equitable access to employment and services as a requirement in the performance agreements of Portfolio Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) as required in the NSW Disability Policy Framework.

RESPONSIBILITY: All agencies.

BUDGET: Within existing budgets.		 The requirement to include the increase of accessibility as a performance measure is being included in all CEO agreements as they are updated. Continued inclusion of requirements to increase accessibility in CEO agreements.
STRATEGY: All business plans should include strategies to ensure transport needs of people with disabilities are met.

RESPONSIBILITY: All agencies.

BUDGET: Within existing budgets.		 All planning includes the needs of people with disabilities. For example, all new agency projects are required to be fully accessible. Continued inclusion of accessibility requirements in business planning by agencies.
STRATEGY: Use of Portfolio services by people with disabilities should be regularly surveyed and monitored.

RESPONSIBILITY: Ministry of Transport.

BUDGET: Within existing budgets.		 The Transport Data Centre (TDC) collects data to better understand physical access barriers for public transport in its continuous Household Travel Survey and conducted a survey of the use of Wheelchair Accessible Taxis in 2001. Inclusion of survey data in planning to improve accessibility.
BARRIER: Some Transport portfolio agencies may not have had disability awareness training. ACHIEVED TARGET
STRATEGY: Ensure a disability awareness module is included in employee induction programs (modules should deal both with customers and fellow staff) and promote general staff awareness of disability and access issues.

RESPONSIBILITY: All agencies.

BUDGET: Within existing budgets.
  • Disability awareness modules for induction programs have been implemented by all portfolio agencies.
  • In particular:
    • State Transit has produced a disability awareness video that is shown during staff inductions.
    • Sydney Ferries organised a disability awareness presentation for general purpose hands and cashiers given by People with Disabilities.
    • NSW Maritime has a CD-Rom on customer service for vision-impaired persons.
    • The RTA continued to provide staff training in disability awareness comprising a video for motor registry staff.
 Disability awareness training introduced in all agencies.
BARRIER: Public transport staff may not always appreciate specific safety needs of people with disabilities. ACHIEVED TARGET
STRATEGY: Safety training to include support for passengers with disabilities.

RESPONSIBILITY: All agencies providing transport services.

BUDGET: Within existing budgets.
  • State Transit has produced a disability awareness video that is shown during staff inductions.
  • Revised wheelchair, pram and scooter policy introduced in early 2003 indicates priority for people with disabilities in use of the allocated space in buses.
  • RailCorp's EEO Management Plan includes training development and delivery for frontline staff.
 All front-line staff dealing with passengers with disabilities to have undertaken safety training.
BARRIER: Too few taxi drivers are trained to operate a Wheelchair Accessible Taxi (WAT). ACHIEVED TARGET
STRATEGY: Provide free training to WAT drivers.

RESPONSIBILITY: Ministry of Transport and industry.

BUDGET: Funding allocated on a demand basis.
  • The Taxi Advisory Committee allocates funding to the NSW Taxi Council to cover cost of free training provided to WAT drivers.
  • A WAT Driver Handbook was published in 2001 and reprinted in 2003.
 Positive customer feedback on service levels and driver performance for WATs.

Promoting positive community attitudes

BARRIER: Users of public transport, roads and NSW Maritime services who do not have disabilities may not be aware of the access needs of people who do. ACHIEVED TARGET
STRATEGY: Promote transport initiatives that demonstrate that improved access is beneficial for the whole community.

RESPONSIBILITY: All agencies.

BUDGET: Within existing budgets.
  • RailCorp's Easy Access Program and State Transit's Low Floor Bus Program are promoted as beneficial for all transport users.
  • RailCorp's Ethnic Affairs Priority Statement targets the relationship between access and the community.
 All future access initiatives marketed to the wider community, not just the disability community.
STRATEGY: Preparation of information for media and public to promote positive attitudes to people with disabilities.

RESPONSIBILITY: All agencies.

BUDGET: Within existing budgets.
  • State Transit has prepared a video to promote disability awareness and the 'Access for All' brochure promoting accessible services to all members of the public.
  • RailCorp has produced the 'Accessing CityRail' brochure promoting accessible services and undertaken major information campaigns to promote new accessible services and facilities.
  • Disability access locations are being indicated on all NSW Maritime maps and it continues to promote the Sailability Program.
 All information available to the public to include consideration of, and promote positive attitudes to, the transport access needs of people with disabilities.
STRATEGY: Ensure Annual Reports reflect the achievements in improving equity of access.

RESPONSIBILITY: All agencies.

BUDGET: Within existing budgets.		 All agencies comply with the requirements of the NSW Disability Policy Framework to report on the provision of accessible services and the completion of a disability action plan in their annual reports. All information available to the public to include consideration of, and promote positive attitudes to, the transport access needs of people with disabilities.
BARRIER: Wheelchair Accessible Taxis (WAT) are not well accepted by the public for general hiring. This affects the profitability of WAT (Maxi-Taxi) services by making the licences less popular with industry. ACHIEVED TARGET
STRATEGY: Work with the Taxi Advisory Committee to develop initiatives to promote the use of WATs, and monitor impacts.

RESPONSIBILITY: Ministry of Transport with the taxi industry.

BUDGET: Within existing budgets.
  • WAT (Maxi Taxi) drivers may accept multiple hirings from 2 or more hirers and then charge each hirer only 75% of the fare.
  • WAT licence conditions no longer require a minimum number of wheelchairs (two) to be accommodated in a WAT. This encourages a mixed WAT fleet of double and single wheelchair vehicles.
 Continue to develop and implement initiatives to promote the greater use of WATs.

Last modified: Monday, 01 February 2010