Transport for NSW is investing in design and investigation work for accessibility upgrades at 9 railway stations across regional NSW to make it easier for passengers to move around the state.
The NSW Government has provided funding under the $800 million Safe Accessible Transport (SAT) program to begin preliminary investigations and design development at each of the sites.
The funding recognises the importance of access to safe and reliable public transport options for all users across the state but particularly in regional areas where social isolation can be a concern for people living hundreds of kilometres away from close family and friends.
Stations funded for development include:
- Canberra (operated by TfNSW)
- Kempsey
- Kendall
- Macksville
- Nambucca Heads
- Sawtell
- Urunga
- Wingham
- Yass.
These upgrades aim to make public transport safe, inclusive and easy to use for all passengers but especially for people with disabilities, seniors, people with prams or luggage and others who may be experiencing mobility problems.
Each upgrade is tailored to meet each community and station's needs and to include accessible ramp access, upgraded facilities including accessible toilet, and tactile ground surface indicators to improve safety for people who are vision impaired.
Improved lighting, CCTV and Wayfinding signage to enhance passenger safety, platform levelling and accessible 'kiss and ride' areas for easy pick-ups, and drop-offs for people with mobility issues or using prams and luggage are also being considered.
Planning work at each of these locations will take about 9 to 12 months to complete and will see the development of a distinct design focused on each site's needs.
Early engagement with key stakeholders at each location will start later this year, and more information will be provided to the community at each stage of the process.
Transport for NSW is planning to kick off early engagement through location-specific workshops with local people with disability and their carers to inform development of the concept design, followed by pop-up sessions in each location with the wider community who will be invited to have their say on the proposed works.
The community is invited to sign up to a project distribution list to ensure they're kept informed about engagement opportunities and as the projects progress.
Transport for NSW determines the priority of upgrades using evidence-based criteria, including:
- the needs and demographics of passengers who use the location
- whether important services such as hospitals or educational facilities are nearby
- current and future patronage
- cumulative impacts of other construction projects
- the accessibility of other nearby transport interchanges and facilities.
More information on the Safe Accessible Transport program is available on the Transport for NSW website.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:
"Accessibility upgrades are being rolled out at train stations right across the state to make public transport safer, more inclusive and easier to use for all passengers.
"This stage of design development will see our teams carrying out survey and geotechnical work to better understand each of the sites and inform development of concept designs.
"Transport for NSW will also be engaging with key stakeholders, including people with disability, to seek local insights and feedback on indicative designs.
"Public transport is a significant driver of social and economic activity, and accessible transport gives all people the opportunity to participate fully in their community and the economy.
"This is particularly the case in regional NSW where the tyranny of long distances can be terribly isolating for people with mobility issues and families without a car of their own.
"A safe, equitable and integrated transport network means people across the state can travel safely and confidently to work, appointments, holidays, events, and to visit friends and family."
