People with a Disability Left Stranded on Route 86

Scope clients from Heidelberg West have been left stranded by Melbourne’s so-called accessible tram network.

Recently, three clients and their support workers were left stranded on Tram Route 86 on Plenty Road, opposite LaTrobe University.  Despite having 25 wheelchair accessible stops, there are no low floor trams operating on that route.

“We kept waiting, thinking an accessible tram would turn up,” said Scope disability support worker, Jeanette Gillespie.

“A couple of trams went past us and at no time did the drivers think of letting us know that we were waiting in vain.  It took a staff member to actually board the tram and ask the driver directly if there were any accessible trams on the way,” she said.

Clients Anna, Angelo and Janine were disappointed that their day out in to the city did not go as planned and are not confident to attempt a tram ride in the future.

“We had planned to treat our clients to their first tram ride, which was an exciting prospect as they are all in their forties and had never ridden on a tram before in their lives,“ said Jeanette.

The group were forced to catch a train in to the city.

“It seems ridiculous that there has not been any foresight to ensure that there are low floor trams serving the 200 accessible tram stops throughout the network,” said Scope CEO Diana Heggie.

“Better access to public transport allows people with a disability to participate in their community of choice.  Not being able to access their community can lead to feelings of isolation and depression,” she said.

The staff and clients are planning to send a letter to their local Member of Parliament, Mr Craig Langdon, to ask him to raise the issue in Parliament.