Tram accessibility
| The Victorian Government is working with Melbourne's tram operator to improve the accessibility of its services. This page provides information on projects and programs for improving access for all members of the community including people with a disability. |  | |
Information on this page
Low floor trams
A total of 100 air-conditioned low-floor trams are operating in Melbourne. Getting on and off the low-floor trams is easier for all passengers. When combined with modified tram stops, they provide wheelchair access to Melbourne's tram network for the first time.
In addition to providing wheelchair access, the new trams also feature dedicated wheelchair space, colour-contrasting for people with a visual impairment and improved customer service information via automated announcements and electronic displays.
Yarra Trams advise that all trams scheduled to operate on Route 109 (Mont Albert to Port Melbourne) are now low-floor. Low-floor trams will be progressively scheduled on Route 6 (Melbourne University to Glen Iris), Route 72 (city to Camberwell) and on Route 96 (St. Kilda Beach to East Brunswick).
Many existing trams have been refurbished. The refurbishment includes installing high-contrast stanchions, grab handles and step edging. This improves accessibility for people with a vision impairment.
More information is available from the
New and refurbished trains and trams webpage.
Accessible tram stops are being constructed on major tram routes to complement low-floor trams and provide improved access to all trams.
Future accessible tram stops
The Accessible Tram Stop Program involves the construction of about 350 new platform stops in Melbourne as part of a $250 million investment in improving public transport accessibility. About 300 platform stops have been installed to date.
The upgrades are being undertaken under the
Think Tram program and will initially target stops at locations where impact on traffic will be minor, for example, where trams run through a reservation.
See also the VicRoads'
ThinkTram projects webpage for information on other tram stop upgrades.
Targets for improving accessibility
Targets to improve access to public transport services, including trams, are in the
Accessible Public Transport in Victoria Action Plan. This plan is developed by the Government and operators to meet Federal Disability Discrimination Act requirements.
Using the tram network
For information on using public transport in Melbourne, including information on accessible services, visit the
Metlink website.