Article: Track to greater rail confidence

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Track to greater rail confidence

Track to greater rail confidence

Merrin Jagtman | 15th February 2012

SHE may be legally blind but Natasha Anderson had no problems catching the train to Richlands station last week.

In fact, thanks to increased accessibility provisions, the regular commuter could soon be finding her way around the state's rail network better than most.

Last Wednesday, Ms Clark was among a selected group given the opportunity to increase their confidence around independent rail travel.

Queensland Rail General Manager Security and Community Engagement Andrew Brock said during the Queensland Rail Safety Orientation Day participants explored internal and external train features.

"Representatives from Guide Dogs Queensland, Vision Australia, Montrose Access and Multicap were invited to take part in the event specifically developed to give people who have a physical disability or vision impairment the opportunity to learn about the facilities and services provided by Queensland Rail," Mr Brock said.

"The event was useful for people who were inexperienced in accessing public transport independently and was a refresher course for the more experienced people using trains."

Mr Brock said Richlands station had a high level platform, with accessibility features such as a help phone, tactile edges, hearing loops and an assisted boarding area.

"As well as learning about these accessibility features on the platform, Queensland Rail's Community Education team encouraged participants to explore first-hand the features onboard a stationary train so they can feel more confident and safe when travelling with Queensland Rail," he said.

"Topics included door controls, boarding and detraining safely, seating configurations, locating timetable information and accessible signage onboard trains and at stations, locating onboard emergency assistance phones and learning about staff assistance."

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