Aussie exposes major danger in $13 billion rail project: 'How did nobody notice'
Concerns have been raised this week over accessibility issues in Melbourne's new Metro Tunnel stations, especially among individuals with mobility impairments. During testing, it was discovered that the platforms at these stations did not align with the height of train floors, resulting in a gap of several centimetres.
Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, longtime disability advocate Zoe Simmons said this misalignment poses challenges for wheelchair users and others requiring level boarding, potentially hindering safe and independent access.
"It's pretty crappy, isn't it?" she said. "I really don't think anyone in charge actually realises how much of a safety and access risk this is, for not only so many people with different kinds of disabilities and mobility aids, but also parents with prams."
Zoe said it's exhausting constantly having to fight for basic accessibility, especially when infrastructure projects of this scale apparently overlook the needs of people with disabilities. She urges decision-makers not to treat Australians with disabilities as afterthoughts.
Construction on the Melbourne Metro began in 2018, with the project now in its final stages and set to open in late 2025. Three of the five new underground stations — Arden, Parkville and Anzac — are complete, while State Library and Town Hall stations are near finished. The project is slated for completion a year ahead of the original 2026 target.
Zoe is not alone in her criticisms. The Disability Resources Centre has raised concerns about the design flaw, emphasising that it undermines the project's commitment to accessibility.
The Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) has similarly highlighted the issue, releasing images and confirming ongoing discussions with advocacy groups to address multiple accessibility concerns. Despite assurances from the government that the stations will be among the most accessible in the network, advocates question how the platform-train height mismatch will be resolved.
"This is why it's important to have disabled people in every part of the process — nothing about us without us," Zoe said. "How does this even happen? Did they just not measure it? Not check? Not care?
"Hopefully, we can put pressure on them to ensure they will fix it, and double-check all the other accessibility features. Oh, and hire disabled people to be a part of this process."
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While so far ahead of time, the project initially was estimated at $10.9 billion in 2016, but since costs have escalated to approximately $13.48 billion, marking an $837 million increase. The Victorian government attributes this rise to unforeseen global events, including the COVID-19 pandemic, international conflicts, and interest rate hikes. Some reports suggest the total expenditure could exceed $15 billion when considering all associated costs.
Speaking to media this week, Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan insisted that once the new stations open, they will be accessible to all passengers. "There's design work that is being done, and people in a wheelchair will be able to get on and off — roll on and off — on our trains that will align with the platforms," she said.
Zoe remains sceptical, but hopes for change. "Access benefits everybody, and we deserve safety, particularly when it's an [estimated] $15 billion project that has a whole webpage emphasising how accessible they want to make it," she said.
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