2016-03-09
The Greens support plans by the City of Port Phillip to upgrade the Number 96 tram terminus in Acland St to improve disability access and to remove cars from Belford to Barkly Street to create a pedestrian mall in that part of Acland St, Greens MLC for Southern Metropolitan, Sue Pennicuik said in state parliament this week.
“This plan is in keeping with the Greens policy to prioritise public transport, and it is the growing trend in cities around the world.
“I agree with the mayor of the City of Port Phillip, Cr Bernadene Voss, that this is exciting for St Kilda and that the transformation of Acland Street would encourage more visitors, including people in wheelchairs, who currently cannot get to Acland Street by tram.
“I have been contacted by some opponents of the plan, but most people I have spoken to support it,” Ms Pennicuik said.
“I do not agree with those who are calling for the stop to be moved from its current position at Barkly Street to Luna Park. That would mean breaking an existing public transport link between the route 96 tram and the buses that connect with it at Barkly Street — the 600, 923 and 246 buses.
“The Greens are advocating for more public transport routes to link with each other, not to remove existing links. I lived in Elwood for 12 years and regularly used those buses to get to the 96 tram at Barkly and Acland streets, as do hundreds of commuters every day.
“There are some issues that could be looked at more closely”, Ms Pennicuik said.
“Some concerns have been raised that people will be required to walk tens of metres from the current bus stop to the relocated tram terminus further up Acland Street.
“I also think there is scope to improve the bus stop going north at Acland and Barkly streets and even the stop going south across the road and the pedestrian crossing at Barkly and Acland streets could also be changed to operate in a similar way to the one at the T-intersection at Elizabeth and Flinders streets in the city, where people can cross in all directions on the green light.
“I have requested the Minister for Public Transport to consult with Public Transport Victoria and Yarra Trams with a view to improving the bus stop and the link between the 96 tram and the buses, as part of the upgrade and construction of the mall, and that she also consult with VicRoads and the City of Port Philip regarding improving the pedestrian crossing at Acland and Barkly streets,” Ms Pennicuik said.
For further comment: Sue Pennicuik: 03 9530 8399