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Case Study 3: Try Before You Ride

Image shows people boarding a Travellers Aid buggy at Southern Cross Station at the Try Before You Ride event.

Try Before You Ride is an initiative designed to help individuals of all abilities gain confidence in using Victoria’s public transport system.

Held in May 2024 at Southern Cross Station, the event was attended by over 130 participants to explore various modes of transport, providing hands-on experience with accessibility features in real-world settings.

Participant Experience

The event enabled participants to:

  • Board and disembark stationary Metro and V/Line buses, coaches, and taxis.
  • Take guided tram trips to familiarise themselves with different transport modes.
  • Engage directly with public transport staff to learn about accessibility features, safety protocols, and available support services.
A person using a mobility scooter boarding via a ramp at the first door of a metropolitan train carriage at Southern Cross Station as part of Try Before You Ride.

Stakeholder collaboration

The success of the Try Before You Ride event was a result of collaboration between many stakeholders and DTP, including:

  • Public transport operators – Metro Trains, V/Line, Yarra Trams and Kinetic, and
  • Transport and accessibility organisations – Travellers Aid, Safe Transport Victoria and the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Network.

These organisations worked together to ensure the event catered to a diverse range of accessibility needs, such as people using wheelchairs, parents with young children and older Victorians.

Feedback and impact

Participant feedback was crucial to understanding how accessibility features function and what improvements may be needed. Key takeaways included:

  • Increased confidence to use the public transport system independently.
  • Better understanding of accessibility features and how to access support if needed.
  • Insights that will inform future accessibility improvements across the network.
Two people walking on a platform at Southern Cross Station at try Before You Ride. One person is a white cane user and the other person is using a walking stick. A V/Line train is in the background.

Going forward

Following the event’s success, Try Before You Ride has expanded further. In partnership with the City of Greater Bendigo, V/Line hosted additional events as part of the Victorian Seniors Festival in October 2024.

Updated

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