Designing public transport infrastructure to enable safe access for all passengers including those persons with disabilities is a major priority for all public transport authorities. However there are significant challenges with tram and light rail systems when tracks run in the middle of the road (road median) in mixed traffic conditions. To access or egress trams, passengers must cross road traffic lanes. Unless platforms are provided in the road median, passengers must climb onto vehicles without the assistance of road side kerbs to reduce the step height. Unless expensive lift based systems are used, access for people using wheelchairs is impossible in these circumstances. This paper describes the design of an accessible tram/light rail stop suitable for median mixed traffic tram operations. The design was developed, tested and built in the City of Port Phillip, an inner urban local government area of Melbourne, Australia. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E213716.
Abstract