Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky said some members of the community had few or no travel options and it was these people who most needed accessible transport links.

“The Brumby Government is taking action to develop policy and create new funding initiatives to reduce barriers to access and mobility,” Ms Kosky said.

After 1 July 2008, the Brumby Government will implement these new initiatives:

• Free Sunday travel and two yearly off peak travel vouchers will be available for those people under the age of 60 with a disability and carers;
• To help people make informed choices when purchasing a scooter or mobility device information will be provided on devices which are compliant with the Federal Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) to enable better access to the public transport network;
• A refresher course for all front line public transport staff to increase awareness on transport issues faced by people with mobility restrictions and disabilities; and
• A public transport education program to inform people with special needs about using public transport.

Rob Hudson, Parliamentary Secretary for Public Transport, today launched the ‘Improving Options and Reducing Barriers – Addressing Transport Disadvantage’ report which outlines the Brumby Government’s current initiatives to address transport disadvantage.

“This initiative means people with a Disability Pension or a Carers Pension will now be able to travel free on Sundays, just like those people who hold a Seniors Card,” Mr Hudson said.

“A great amount of work has been going on behind the scenes to improve transport for those experiencing disadvantage,” Mr Hudson said.

“Through the Meeting our Transport Challenges action blueprint, $250 million was dedicated to infrastructure works to make public transport more accessible,” Mr Hudson said.

“A total of $1.6 billion was also committed to new and refurbished trains and trams to meet the requirements of the Federal Disability Discrimination Act,” Mr Hudson said.

Visit www.doi.vic.gov.au/transport for a copy of the report.

If you would like to receive the publication in an accessible format, such as large print or audio, please telephone the Public Affairs Branch at the Department of Infrastructure on 03 9655 6000.