Recently, I sent an email to several government ministers and other officials, advocating for the installation of Tactile Ground Surface Indicators (TGSIs) at Ivanhoe Station.
As a blind university student, these simple yet essential accessibility features would enable me to travel independently and safely, without relying on the unpredictable availability of station staff.
In my email, I highlighted the ongoing barriers I face due to the lack of TGSIs at Ivanhoe Station, including the extra time and stress of having to walk to Darebin Station – a less convenient and safe alternative. I also emphasised how the proposed reliance on station staff for assistance fails to provide the independence and dignity legislated under the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport, 2002.
Ivanhoe Station remains excluded from current upgrade plans, despite the legal and moral imperative to address accessibility gaps. This leaves me, and others in similar situations, unable to access public transport with the same ease that sighted travellers take for granted.
I have urged the ministers to commit to meaningful action and ensure that TGSIs are installed at Ivanhoe Station as soon as possible. This issue is not just about me—it’s about ensuring public transport is accessible for everyone.
I look forward to sharing updates as we continue to push for these changes.