Safety & Security
Trams
We will continue to modernise existing trams with internal refurbishment to provide the highest modern standards of passenger comfort. In addition, we will continue to work towards introducing further state of the art, low floor trams to Melbourne with the long term view of improving overall passenger comfort, accessibility and service delivery.
Stops
Yarra Trams is constantly investing in the improvement of passenger facilities, and will continue its program of installing platform stops at selected locations. In addition to improving accessibility in accordance with the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), these platform stops feature greater comfort for waiting passengers, improved tram arrival information through real-time Passenger Information Displays, and provide a safer and more efficient environment for passengers boarding and disembarking. Some high profile stops also have a ticket machine, change machine and touch screen public transport trip planner.
Accessibility
Yarra Trams recognises and respects the rights of all passengers and complies with State and Commonwealth standards on access for people with mobility impairments, subject to any applicable exemption.
A Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) Action Plan has been developed by Yarra Trams. This strategy sets out options for improved accessibility for patrons with special needs and mobility impairments. A copy of this plan can be obtained by calling Customer Feedback on 1800 800 166 or by visiting our website at yarratrams.com.au
Not all tram routes are wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair patrons are advised to refer to the Yarra Trams website or call Metlink on 131 638 for information regarding low floor trams and accessible stops. In addition, you can call tramTRACKER™ on 1300 MY TRAM (1300 69 8726) or via SMS on 199YARRA (19992772) to get real-time information by stop. This service advises whether the next tram will be low floor. Visit our website for more details.
The Victorian Government’s Accessible Public Transport in Victoria Action Plan 2006–2012 provides a framework for achieving accessible public transport in Victoria for people with disabilities. It covers mainstream public transport for which the Victorian Government has direct responsibility, including metropolitan rail, tram and bus services.
This Action Plan is designed to ensure that, at minimum, access is provided in line with the requirements of the Federal Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) and the accompanying Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 (DSAPT).
The DSAPT sets out standards by which public transport infrastructure and vehicles can comply with the DDA. It also prescribes timing of progress towards full compliance over 20 years through a series of milestones at five year intervals (from 2002 to 2022). This Action Plan concentrates on achieving the 2007 and 2012 milestones, but also lays out principles for ongoing progress beyond 2012. It has been developed in consultation with people with disabilities and public transport operators through the Minister for Transport’s advisory Public Transport Access Committee (PTAC).
It is also important to note that actions to improve services to people with disabilities usually provide significant improvements in amenity, safety, travel time or convenience to many other people with mobility issues (e.g. people with prams or young children, the elderly, people with minor injuries).
Intermodal Coordination
Yarra Trams will continue to work with bus and train operators through Metlink to provide reliable and relevant intermodal connections through such initiatives as coordinated timetabling, improved signage, the Metlink Journey Planner and better information at tram and bus stops and at train stations. Metlink is the organisation that represents and markets the public transport network in Melbourne. We have also introduced real-time information via phone with tramTRACKER™ and Passenger Information Displays (PIDs) at selected stops to better serve our passengers.
Safety & Security
Yarra Trams is committed to ensuring the personal safety and security of its passengers.
Stops and vehicles will continue to be improved wherever possible to incorporate additional safety features such as improved lighting at stops and CCTV on board trams. Passengers may be recorded on CCTV while on our services.
Should you experience any disruptive or threatening behaviour on board one of our trams, please notify your tram driver who is in direct contact with our Fleet Operations Centre which can alert the emergency services. Alternatively, call the Police on 000, stating the route and vehicle number and the approximate location of the tram.
Yarra Trams’ customer service staff as well as Victoria Police regularly patrol the tram network in uniform and plain clothes and can also assist in an emergency situation.
Each year, Yarra Trams is assessed by the Victorian Government in respect to its compliance on AS4292 Railway Safety Management regulations. Yarra Trams has consistently exceeded these requirements and we are committed to continually introducing new safety initiatives across the network.
The public transport network will continue to provide integrated ticketing for all public transport services with the multi-modal ticket being retained. All public transport fare increases must be approved by the Victorian Government. Members of the public will be notified at least 10 working days in advance of
any fare changes through the Metlink website, the Yarra Trams website, major newspapers and inside trams.