2019-05-01
The ACT Greens have today called for new measures to ensure Canberra’s transport system is accessible for all, including seniors and those with a disability.
“It’s time to think differently about our transport hubs, our places and our public spaces. It’s time to ensure that all Canberrans, no matter their mobility, can get around Canberra,” ACT Greens Transport spokesperson Caroline Le Couteur said today.
“The new light rail service is an example of accessibility, done right. However, there’s still more to be done to ensure that the entire Canberra transport network is accessible for all.”
To achieve this, the Greens propose that the Government should expand flexible and on demand bus services and establish an Access Advisory Council.
Expand flexible and on demand bus services
Currently, a flexible bus service helps Canberra residents who can’t use regular bus routes, such as the aged or people with a mobility difficulty, to get from their home to local community locations.
However, this service is very limited. It only runs from 9:30am to 1:30pm on weekdays and needs to be booked two days ahead. This makes it hard for people to live a normal life.
The Greens believe the Government should commit to expand flexible or on demand bus services over time to ensure that fully functioning flexible bus service works in parallel with the new bus network. This would:
- Cater for all passengers who aren’t served by the main public transport system, such as people travelling to places with no local route
- Operate 7 days per week and for longer daily hours
- Become a true on-demand service with no need to book ahead
- Consider integration of taxis and ride share.
Establish an Access Advisory Council
At the last election, the ACT Greens called for an Access Advisory Council to be established to provide advice to Government about access issues in public transport and in urban planning. By consulting and engaging closely with key stakeholders, the Council will ensure that new developments and transport systems meet the necessary standards to ensure our city is accessible for people with a disability and who are aging.
“If we plan according to the most marginalised, we plan for everyone,” Ms Le Couteur added.