Four key actions have been identified as focus areas for DTP to deliver in this Action Plan.
Scope of the Accessible Transport Advisory Committee advice
The Accessible Transport Advisory Committee (ATAC) provides independent advice across transport policy and projects to create a more inclusive and accessible transport system in Victoria.
It is critical that what DTP delivers to the public is accessible and informed by the lived experience of people with disability to meet community expectations.
With the integration of transport and planning portfolios within DTP, there is an opportunity to consider whether ATAC could advise on planning, housing, building, precinct and land use issues, in addition to early and ongoing engagement with public transport matters.
Action: Support ATAC to amplify the lived experience of people with disability by:
- Facilitating early engagement across a range of projects,
- Supporting identification of systemic issues, and
- Exploring opportunities to advise whole of departmental strategies and initiatives.
Outcome: ATAC is sought out by project teams to provide expertise throughout the project lifecycle.
Measure: Earlier and increased consultation with people with disability.
Timeframe: Year 1, Ongoing.
Transport Accessibility Strategic Framework review
The Transport Accessibility Strategic Framework sets DTP’s approach to address accessibility gaps and improve the end to end user experience for all.
Ensuring there is a consistent and coordinated approach when considering and prioritising accessibility improvements when undertaking transport, service and infrastructure planning is critical.
The Strategic Framework was developed in the transport context. A consistent and coordinated approach to accessibility across transport, planning, housing, and building contexts will deliver more accessible outcomes for all Victorians.
Action: Explore options to refresh the Strategic Framework to consider how we approach accessibility for our planning, housing and building systems.
Outcome: Consistent and coordinated approach to accessibility across our transport, planning, housing and building systems.
Measure: Strategic Framework updated to consider all DTP work.
Timeframe: Year 2.
Addressing assistance animal handler refusals
Assistance animals provide critical support to people with disabilities or health conditions.
Victoria’s Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) (Conduct on Public Transport) Regulations 2015 permit guide dogs, hearing dogs and other assistance animals to travel on all public transport services.
The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Commonwealth) also makes it unlawful to discriminate against a person who needs the use of an assistance animal.
Complaint data collected by DTP reflects ongoing issues with assistance animal handlers being refused access to public transport services and commercial passenger vehicles.
Refusals have persisted despite previous targeted interventions, suggesting that a suite of collaborative initiatives may be needed.
Action: Collaborate with relevant stakeholders and all industry partners to assess a range of legislative and policy options to reduce refusals of assistance animal handlers.
Outcome: Decrease in refusals of assistance animal handlers.
Measure: Number of refusals reported across different modes. Number of complaints made to bodies who accept complaints.
Timeframe: Year 3.
Accessibility service delivery and Parkville Station pilot
DTP supports Travellers Aid Australia to deliver a range of accessibility related services at Flinders Street and Southern Cross Stations, including mobility support, personal guidance, buggy services, toileting and showering facilities.
These services are used frequently by a range of travellers with different support needs.
With the five Metro Tunnel Stations opening, there are additional locations where passengers are likely to require extra support to complete their journey.
Parkville Station is located in a unique precinct, with several state significant medical and educational facilities.
Action: Deliver accessibility services for passengers travelling in the Parkville precinct through a pilot program with Travellers Aid Australia.
Outcome: Passengers provided with accessibility services in Parkville precinct.
Measure: Pilot program delivered.
Timeframe: Year 1.
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