400 stations closer to full station accessibility
New lifts at Narwee Station opened today marking the completion of 400 NSW Government projects to make transport infrastructure more safe, modern and accessible.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said this significant milestone for station upgrades, delivered seven months ahead of schedule, shows the NSW Government’s commitment to making public transport accessible for all customers.
“Since its launch in 2011, this Government has invested more than $1 billion in the Transport Access Program,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“This has delivered accessibility upgrades at an extra 45 stations and 15 ferry wharves. We have also created 6,000 new car parking spaces and upgraded more than 40 interchanges.
“These crucial upgrades, which range from new lifts, ramps and stairs, new footbridges, improved CCTV, weather canopies, kiss and ride zones, bike lockers and more, will support the growing amount of customers accessing public transport.”
Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance said customers at Narwee can now use the fully accessible station well ahead of schedule.
“There is still a lot of work ahead of us, and 2018 will see us cracking on with even more station upgrades,” Mr Constance said.
“Next year we will upgrade Rooty Hill Station, which is an important link from Western Sydney suburbs into Parramatta and the Sydney CBD. Work will also start on an accessibility upgrade at Edgecliff Station and the new commuter car park at Merrylands Station.”
Member for Oatley Mark Coure said the station upgrade was a great result for local transport customers.
“I am excited that this project was delivered seven months early, meaning customers can now use the new lift and family accessible toilet, find shelter under the weather protection canopies and feel safer knowing there is upgraded lighting and surveillance,” Mr Coure said.
The completion of work at Narwee Station means that 167 out of 307 stations on the intercity and suburban networks are now wheelchair accessible. This represents around 54 per cent of stations and more than 88 per cent of overall patronage accessing these stations.
During 2017, the NSW Government has completed key projects including accessibility upgrades at Wentworth Falls, Wentworthville, Pendle Hill, Heathcote, Flemington, Berala and Jannali, along with new commuter car parks at Engadine, Penrith, Marayong, Asquith and Marrickville and upgrades to McMahons Point and Milsons Point wharves.
Highlights of the 400 Transport Access Projects include:
- 1,200 staff car parking spaces handed back to commuters
- More than 40 interchanges upgraded (improvements include pedestrian access, canopies, CCTV, help points, lighting, bicycle storage, drop off and pick-up zones, seating and taxi ranks)
- 15 wharf upgrades
- 45 more wheelchair accessible stations
- 6,000 more commuter car parking spaces