Accessible Travel
Trains
All railway stations except Heyington are accessible, though platforms are not always flush with train entrances. At night major accessways to some stations are locked well before the last train. Due to the lengthy detours required, passengers should allow extra time.
The busiest city railway stations include lifts and/or escalators. Where stations have ticket barriers, there is at least one wide enough for passengers with wheelchairs, walking frames, prams or shopping. Barrier staff will open these barriers for you if required, or if there are no staff, they will be left open. All stations have large timetable boards and announce the next train as it arrives.
Suburban stations have an emergency intercom. This is a small metal box with a red and green button. The red button allows you to talk to an operator and should only be used to report emergencies. Pressing the green button tells you when the next train is due.
Major (Premium) stations are staffed from first to last train, have covered waiting areas, public toilets and visual 'next train' passenger information displays. Some non-premium stations also have public toilets, but these may be only be open when station hosts are present. In some areas there may be a toilet block just outside the station, but the quality and cleanliness of these vary. Extra seating, reserved for passengers with special needs, is being provided at many stations.
If you need the driver to use the ramp, wait in a position where he/she can see you. Aim to board the first carriage. The first carriage will stop near the foreword-most end of the platform if the train is a six-car set, and half way along the platform if the train is a three-car set. These positions are identified by white markers along the platform.
Trains have wheelchair spaces inside the carriage near the doors. Also near the doors is priority seating for passengers with special needs. Others must give up these seats if asked to do so by passengers who need it more.
'Next Station' announcements are either made automatically, manually by the driver, or not at all. Newer trains may also include visual 'next station' displays. Automated announcements cannot always be trusted, so it is wise to check station name signs along the way.
Newer trains are equipped with intercoms to permit contact with the driver in emergencies. Trains do not usually have a visible staff presence, though more is being provided in the evenings. However passengers with special mobility needs can contact the relevant train company for assistance before making their trip.
Trams
Tram 'superstops' feature convenient access for passengers in wheelchairs and with walking difficulties. Trams are largely unstaffed, but passengers with special needs can contact the relevant tram company for assistance before making their trip. All new trams are 'low floor' with room for wheelchairs. Some seats near doors are reserved for elderly, disabled or childbearing passengers. Drivers should announce major stops, but cannot be relied upon to do so.
Buses
All new buses are 'low floor' with room for wheelchairs and wheelchair ramps. The front few seats in all buses (usually marked in yellow) are reserved for elderly, disabled or childbearing passengers.
General Information
The Met Information line has a TTY facility for passengers with hearing difficulties. The number to call is (03) 9619 2727. You can call this and the number (below) for advice on accessible travel nearest you.