Accessible Journeys on Adelaide’s Train and Tram Services

This information will help people with disabilities (or their carers) feel confident about travelling on trains and trams. It sets out the services available and what to expect on the journey. It will also be very helpful for seniors or passengers who travel with prams and shopping carts.

Timetable and Journey Information

Printed timetables are displayed at most train and tram platform. Train stations also have audible voice announcements (with hearing loops) that give detail of the next services. These announcements include the stations at which the train will stop. You press the button on the Information pole if you missed an announcement or would like the information repeated.

Stations are being progressively upgraded with yellow poles indicating the location of information in various formats.

To really plan ahead for your journey – visit the AdelaideMetro InfoCentre (corner Currie Street and King William Street in the city [accessible ramps]), or their website on www.adelaidemetro.com.au or call the InfoLine on 8210 1000; TTY 8303 0844.

Security and Emergency Assistance on Platforms

Major stations and interchanges have a blue ‘Security Pole’ which provides an intercom direct to emergency service personnel. If you require assistance please press the button and release. The phone will be answered by a member of the Police Security Services Branch. You will be answered “Emergency Phone – What’s your emergency?”. Please speak clearly and directly towards the pole.

Trains ...

Should you require a ramp to be deployed to enable you to board, please position yourself near where the front door of the leading railcar will stop (behind the white line). Some stations have a permanent ramp (or ‘hump’) constructed or the international symbol for disability painted on the platform, should this be the case, please wait in that area. The mobile ramp will be deployed with one end on the railcar and one end on the platform.

The driver or passenger service assistant will deploy a mobile ramp that is kept on the train. Please inform them (verbal or written) where you will be alighting as they will then be ready to deploy the ramp for you again.

Audible chimes will sound before the doors close and let you know the train will soon move. Driver announcements will tell you the next station just prior to stopping.

Allocated space on the train for people who use a wheelchair has a symbol and signage. Please ensure you are positioned facing the opposite direction to travel and have your brake on. All mobility aids or prams should have brakes applied to ensure they don’t move when taking off and stopping.

Trains only stop at stations that are timetabled for that journey – there is no need to press a stop button. If you required the ramp to board, the driver or passenger service assistant will deploy the ramp for you to leave the train.

Trams …

TransAdelaide has two types of trams. Our Heritage H-Class trams are popular with many enthusiasts and tourists and used mainly on weekends (check tram timetable for confirmation). The majority of services are provided by the accessible Flexity trams.

For mobility aid access:

To enter the new trams - note that there are two pushbuttons on the outside of the door - the top button is the 'door open' button and has an orange border, the button underneath is a 'ramp request' button and is blue with a white wheelchair symbol. Press the blue button and a ramp will be deployed by the conductor from the doors at either end of the tram – NOT the middle door.

Please wait on the platform near these doors for assistance to board. Allocated space on the tram for people who use a wheelchair is near these doors. Wheelchairs should be positioned facing the opposite direction to travel and with the brake applied. Other mobility aids or prams should also have brakes applied to ensure they don’t move when taking off and stopping.

For access to priority seating for the elderly:

Enter by the middle doors and the seats either side of the entry are allocated ‘priority seating.’ Audible chimes will sound before the doors close and let you know that the tram is about to move.

The Flexity trams have visual signs (above driver’s cab doors) and automated audible announcements advising the next stop and other important information.

Trams only stop on request (use any of the ‘stop’ buttons in the vehicle or ‘door open’ button on the doors) . If you require the ramp to be deployed to leave the tram, please press the ‘stop’ button located in the allocated wheelchair space.

If accessibility is an issue for you, you may want to contact the tram depot (Tel 8294 5920) for advice on when the Heritage trams will be operating.

Station improvements

TransAdelaide's station improvements ensure the rail system is continually becoming easier for all passengers to use. This includes making all maze crossings and station ramps specific widths and gradients for improved accessibility. Other facilities such as lighting, car parks, paths, pedestrian crossings and shelters are regularly reviewed to make sure they are as user-friendly as possible.

A better, smarter, and easier system for everyone!

TransAdelaide is committed to making its transport system more accessible for everyone. Disability Awareness training has or will be provided to all our staff. TransAdelaide has an Accessible Transport Action Plan available as an Adobe PDF (2.7 MB), Microsoft Word (1.4 MB) or Plain Text (27 KB) document.

Reflective Wallets ...

TransAdelaide has developed a ticket wallet with a reflective insert that enables a passenger to alert the driver that boarding assistance is required. These wallets identify customers whose need for assistance may not be readily seen by the driver. To obtain a Reflective Wallet, all you have to do is contact the Accessibility Officer (details below).

For more information …

TransAdelaide’s Accessibility Officer can provide more specific information and will also welcome feedback on your journey and system improvements. There are several ways to make contact:

Tel: (08) 8218 2242
Email: accessible@transadelaide.sa.gov.au
Web: www.transadelaide.sa.gov.au – go to “contact us”