The Minns Labor Government is continuing its work to deliver safer, more accessible public transport, with community members invited to have their say on the designs for accessibility upgrades planned for Canberra and Yass Junction train stations.
The upgrades will be delivered by the Minns Government’s $800 million Safe Accessible Transport (SAT) program, which aims to make public transport safe, inclusive and easy to use for all passengers, especially people with disability, older people, people with prams or luggage and others who may be experiencing mobility challenges.
The planned upgrades, designed with input from People with Disability Australia, the Accessible Transport Advisory Committee and Guide Dogs Australia, include ramps, increased disability parking spaces and bus shelters.
Both SAT projects will upgrade the stations to achieve Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport compliance, improving amenity, access and safety, and acknowledging the important role these locations have in the communities they serve.
The Minns Government has funded $900,000 each for investigations, design development and to obtain planning approvals for the Canberra and Yass Junction station upgrades.
Consultation is now open to community feedback on the designs until 11.59pm, Tuesday 31 March.
The feedback will be considered and will inform the detailed design development.
For more information call 1800 684 490, email projects@transport.nsw.gov.au or visit haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/design-accessible-stations.
Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison said:
“The Minns Labor Government is focused on delivering safer, more accessible public transport so people can get where they need to go, regardless of age, ability or mobility needs.”
“Canberra and Yass Junction stations are important transport hubs for their communities, and it is critical that they are inclusive, safe and easy to use for everyone, including people with disability, older passengers, parents with prams and people carrying luggage.
“These proposed upgrades, funded through the Minns Labor Government’s Safe Accessible Transport Program, are about removing barriers to travel and improving the overall station experience, both on platforms and in surrounding precincts.
“We are investing in detailed investigations and design work to ensure these upgrades are done properly, and we want to hear directly from the community before moving to the next stage.
“I encourage anyone who uses these stations, or who currently avoids them due to accessibility or safety concerns, to review the designs and provide feedback so we can deliver outcomes that reflect local needs and expectations.”
Minister for Disability Inclusion, Kate Washington said:
“The Minns Labor Government is committed to breaking down barriers that prevent people from fully participating in their communities with dignity and safety – accessible public transport is a critical part of that.
“I urge locals to have their say, especially people with disability, because we know we get better outcomes when lived experience helps shape our communities.”
ACT Chief Minister, Andrew Barr said:
“We welcome the NSW Government’s announcement today regarding accessibility upgrades to the Kingston train station in Canberra. The additional investment in accessibility infrastructure in Yass is also welcome news for our region.
“The improvements also represent an encouraging first step in the broader work that has been underway with the NSW Government to improve the Canberra–Sydney rail experience.
“The upgrades will help ensure the stations better meets the needs of all passengers, including people with disability and older Canberrans or people with mobility issues. I encourage everyone to have their say on the upgrades.
Mayor of Yass Valley Council, Jasmin Jones said:
“These proposed upgrades are a welcome step forward for the Yass community and will make it easier and safer for more people to use Yass Junction station.”
“Improving accessibility helps ensure our transport network works for everyone, including older residents, people with disability, families with prams and visitors to the region.”
“I encourage local residents to take part in the consultation and share their feedback so the final design reflects the needs of our growing community.”