New station platforms in the Metro Tunnel do not line up with height of train floors

New station platforms in the $15bn Metro Tunnel that were designed to allow wheelchair access do not line up with the height of train floors, with a leading disability group slamming the “demoralising” blunder.

New station platforms in the $15bn Metro Tunnel that were designed to allow wheelchair access do not line up with the height of train floors, posing a potential hazard.

A raised gap of up to two-inches was identified during train testing at CBD platforms in the new tunnel, with one leading disability organisation describing the blunder as “demoralising”.

The Rail, Tram and Bus Union has revealed photos of the design fault, and has said it is not the only accessibility issue it is “working through” with advocacy groups.

Despite the concern and the images, the government has promised Victorians in wheelchairs they will be able to roll on to trains when they begin operating late this year.

Executive officer of the Disability Resources Centre, Ally Scott, said the community wanted to know how operators would fix the issue so that independent access to new trains was possible.

A photo in Victoria's RTBU Express shows platforms do not line up with train floors, sparking concerns about disability access.

“We are frustrated to hear there is a height differential between platforms and the train interface. It’s demoralising,” she said.

“This differential will make the trains inaccessible for all users of wheelchairs and mobility aids. Access is not only about getting on to the trains, it’s about getting on safely and independently.”

The RTBU declined to comment on the issue, which it had raised in its member newsletter with a photo from Town Hall station and a caption that says “mind your step”.

“While it has come to light that there are instances of level platform heights not matching the train interface within the new tunnel, the RTBU has been working through other accessibility issues with the support of disability advocacy groups,” the RTBU Express says.

A spokesman for the government said the train platform gap at Metro Tunnel stations had been designed to allow passengers to board independently.

“The brand new Metro Tunnel stations will be some of the most accessible stations on our network and passengers with wheelchairs will be able to directly roll on and off the new platforms without using a ramp,” he said.

A render of Town Hall station. Picture: Victoria’s Big Build

The RTBU newsletter also discusses preparations for the new tunnel to open this year, including “timetable proving”.

This is the testing of trains in conditions where people are using the systems, which is crucial to allowing for the opening of the network, the union says.

“While a number of issues persist and there remain many features in need of resolution, this testing process is critical to fault finding and debugging to ensure reliability post day one operations,” it says.

As revealed by the Herald Sun last month, construction delays on the Town Hall and State Library stations in the CBD has led to talks about opening the project this year without full services.

This could see stations skipped or limited services in place to avoid congestion.

Insiders say the two CBD stations, which were scheduled to be handed over to operators in April but are still being built, are unlikely to be fully fitted-out until February next year, but that the government has promised the line will open in 2025.

The government spokesman said “all five stations are on track to open later this year”.

“Work to develop the timetable for Metro Tunnel services is underway, and the full details will be announced before the tunnel opens.”

Originally published as New station platforms in the Metro Tunnel do not line up with height of train floors