Advocating for accessibility at Ivanhoe Station has been a collective effort, strengthened by the research and persistence of passionate volunteers like Chris.
Throughout this campaign, Chris has focused on researching legislation and uncovering valuable resources to support the case for tactile ground surface indicators (TGSIs) – a critical accessibility feature missing at several Metro stations.
Ivanhoe, Heidelberg and Eaglemont Stations on the Hurstbridge Line remain without these essential markers, leaving passengers with low or no vision at a significant disadvantage. To address this, Chris worked closely with Banyule Council, requesting that TGSIs for these stations be explicitly included in their Advocacy Priorities list. While larger infrastructure projects often take priority, these lower-cost improvements could make an immediate difference.
Through extensive research, Chris identified several key documents outlining the legal basis and urgency for these upgrades:
- Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 (Transport Standards): Read the standards here
- Australian Human Rights Commission Guidelines: Supporting accessibility standards
- Metro Train Accessibility Features: View station details
(We’ve also added these links to our Resources page for future reference).
The Transport Standards require public transport operators and providers to comply with accessibility legislation by 2022, with some exceptions for trains and trams until 2032.
Despite these requirements, Ivanhoe and Heidelberg Stations – both classified as “Premium” stations – still lack compliance, alongside Eaglemont. This highlights an ongoing gap in accessibility implementation, one that must be urgently addressed.
Chris has also urged Banyule Council and government representatives to prioritise these upgrades, including contacting the Public Transport Ombudsman to escalate concerns. Learn more about their role here.
This campaign is about more than just meeting legal requirements – it’s about ensuring equal access to public transport for everyone. With the dedication of volunteers like Chris and continued pressure on decision-makers, we will keep this issue at the forefront and push for real, meaningful change.