Page 2088 - Week 06 - Wednesday, 6 June 2018
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Interface agreements include assistance in the development of formal interface agreements between light rail and the territory—for example, a statutory requirement to have a road-rail interface agreement—and customer services, ensuring appropriate processes are in place for all customer elements like managing public inquiries and complaints, journey planning and website information.
Other activities include a fully integrated ticketing system, developing an integrated light rail and bus network and a comprehensive safety campaign; and, of course, lots of thinking about the actual first service. We are looking forward to discussing more broadly with the community how community members right across the territory can be involved in the incredibly exciting first light rail journey. We very much look forward to the commencement of light rail services in the ACT.
Light rail—disability access
MS LEE: My question is to the Minister for Transport and City Services. Minister, were disability and other mobility advocacy groups involved in the design of the light rail carriages and platforms?
MS FITZHARRIS: Yes, I believe they were. It is my understanding that there was significant community engagement, including through community forums and a community reference group that, from recollection, included particularly ACTCOSS and other representative groups, including representative disability groups. If there is anything further to add, I will provide that information to the Assembly.
MS LEE: Minister, what provisions have been made to ensure that the gaps between the tram and the platform are small enough to allow those with wheelchairs or walking frames with small wheels to safely board the tram?
MS FITZHARRIS: I thank Ms Lee for the supplementary question. There are, of course, standards about disability access, and Canberra Metro and TCCS have been aware of that right through the planning, design, procurement and construction phases of the project. It is indeed a notable feature of light rail that it is universally accessible and it is a much easier and more comfortable mode of transport; for many people with a disability, it is much easier to access. Through the development of and the discussion about light rail there was considerable community conversation about the accessibility of light rail, particularly for people with a disability.
MISS C BURCH: Minister, will light rail carriages be able to accommodate larger mobility scooters?
MS FITZHARRIS: Yes, it is my understanding that they will.
Light rail—Mitchell
MISS C BURCH: My question is to the Minister for Transport and City Services. Minister, early plans for light rail included stops in Mitchell. Why will it now cost $150,000 more to design a single light rail stop at Mitchell?
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