RAIL - Back On Track Forum

Quote from: ozbob on July 22, 2020, 11:34:31 AM
https://twitter.com/InclusionMoves/status/1285749405182619649

https://twitter.com/InclusionMoves/status/1287910095024566273

https://twitter.com/VicGovDoT/status/1305396109246738432

Good move, back up power supplies.

Mums with prams, seniors on scooters and people with disabilities are set to win in a series of upgrades to the state's transport network. The Government admits embarrassing and costly failures could have been avoided. https://t.co/OyAjjYbB1y @TomHartley_7 #qldpol #7NEWS https://t.co/IrU1saps2v

https://twitter.com/7NewsBrisbane/status/1309776952329297925

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/90868

$500 million, new Accessible Transport Advisory Council to build a more accessible Queensland
28th September 2020

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey

An independent advisory council chaired by retired District Court Judge Michael Forde has been established to advise the Queensland Government on accessibility for transport and road projects across the state.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the group would give a stronger voice to people with vision, hearing, physical or cognitive impairments as well as older people, parents and youth justice groups.

Minister Bailey joined Mr Forde as well as Spinal Life Chief Advisor - Government John Mayo at Yeronga station, where construction on a full upgrade will commence in coming weeks, to make the announcement.

"As part of Queensland's economic recovery plan, the Palaszczuk Government is investing an additional $136 million for accessibility upgrades at Bundamba, Burpengary, Banyo and Wooloowin train stations which will include full platform raising, setting a new standard for all future station upgrades to be delivered by Queensland Rail," Mr Bailey said.

"This new funding means we're now investing close to $500 million to make our stations across the south east more accessible, but we know more can be done.

"The existing approach to accessibility on road and transport upgrades has been piecemeal, and this new independent body will provide frank and expert advice on how we can make our record $23 billion pipeline of road and transport projects accessible for all Queenslanders.

"The establishment of the Queensland Accessible Transport Advisory Council (QATAC) will provide disability-sector representatives with an unprecedented opportunity for early and authentic consultation on all major transport projects.

"Unfortunately, with procurement of New Generation Rollingstock under the Newman Government, we have all seen firsthand what is inflicted on Queenslanders when there isn't early consultation with the disability sector or sufficient consideration of disability standards.

"We won't let that happen again.

"Mr Forde is well placed to chair the council with his 20 years' experience as a barrister, 14 years with the District Court and experience as Commissioner of the NGR inquiry.

"The appointment of Mr Forde demonstrates the importance the Palaszczuk Government places on the council's role, with the council to provide advice directly to the responsible Minister, as well the Director-General of Transport and Main Roads, and CEO of Queensland Rail."

With the council now established and inaugural Chair appointed, an expression of interest process for membership has been launched and will run to mid-November.

Mr Bailey encouraged representatives from across various groups and subject matter experts  to apply online.

Mr Forde said the announcement of the accessibility council is the first step in ensuring persons with a disability will have the opportunity to be represented in a formal capacity for future infrastructure in Queensland.

"This will be a template for all transport infrastructure, requiring the council be formally consulted before the finalisations of any plans. This will apply to all forms of transport," Mr Forde said.

Mr Mayo said Spinal Life welcomed the government's vision for accessible transport in Queensland, which began with the establishment of an Accessible Transport Networks team to explore the challenges faced by people with a disability.

"Given the major infrastructure projects that have commenced in Queensland or are in the planning stages, it's valuable that this advisory council will be able to support the Queensland Government to provide accessible, inclusive outcomes that are informed by first-hand experiences," Mr Mayo said.

Mr Bailey said making transport accessible was crucial so all Queenslanders can access vital services, appointments, work and school.

"That's why we have established QATAC and why we are investing $500 million to improve accessibility at stations - raising platforms, installing new footbridges with lifts and providing new accessible parking," Mr Bailey said.

Station upgrades are currently underway at Fairfield, Dakabin, Auchenflower and Cannon Hill stations,  with upgrades recently completed at Morayfield, Strathpine and Boondall stations and four new underground stations, eight new and upgraded surface stations in Brisbane and three new stations on the Gold Coast to be delivered with Cross River Rail.

"This investment also adds to the Palaszczuk Government's $335 million investment to rectify NGR trains in Maryborough with Queensland workers.

"Queenslanders have been managing the health impacts of COVID-19, and because of their work the Palaszczuk Government has been able to get on with creating jobs and working with the community to deliver more accessible roads and transport as part of Queensland's plan for economic recovery."

ENDS

Rail Express --> Audit finds accessibility lacking on Melbourne tram network

QuoteThe Victorian Auditor General has found that the Department of Transport and Yarra Trams are at risk of breaching disability legislation due to the lack of accessibility on Melbourne's tram network.

In an audit of accessibility on the tram network, the Auditor General found that only 15 per cent of services were accessible, combining a level-access stop with a low floor tram.

While most routes have some level-access stops, with route 96 being the most accessible, a lack of low-floor trams on many routes mean that services on these routes are not accessible at all.

Under the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport Act (DSAPT), all stops must be accessible by December 31, 2022, and all trams must be disability compliant by 2032. This would require that 68 stops per month to be upgraded and 28-30 trams be built and delivered each year, nearly double the current capacity of E-class manufacture, which is 16 trams a year.

A Victorian Department of Transport spokesperson said that a Tram Spot Rollout Strategy was being worked on to address this gap and would be completed by mid-2021.

"We're always working to improve accessibility on Melbourne's tram network – and we've already started to deliver some of the key recommendations from the Auditor-General's Accessibility of Tram Services report," the spokesperson said.

"We are investing in new low-floor trams, building accessibility into the design of our Next Gen Trams and are delivering more level tram stops, as well as rolling out accessibility features in our PTV app and assistant animal relief – but we know there is more work to do."

The Auditor General recommended that renewal work that is part of the current tram franchise agreement should be done concurrently with disability upgrades to maximise savings and minimise disruption.

Another issue identified by the Auditor General in meeting accessibility requirements was the lack or inconsistency of data on the network. Although data is collected on accessibility, not all requirements under the DSAPT are included, meaning that specific features that make a stop inaccessible cannot be shown. For trams, the Department of Transport and Yarra Trams have not reviewed tram compliance with DSAPT requirements.

The Department of Transport either partially accepted, accepted in principle or accepted the recommendations of the report.

"We'll continue working closely with our operators, unions and disability groups to ensure we deliver an equitable experience for all Victorians who use our public transport network," said the Department of Transport spokesperson.

https://humanrights.gov.au/our-work/legal/exemption-applications-under-disability-discrimination-act-1992-cth#current

Current applications for temporary exemptions

Australian Railways Association exemption application (2020)

https://twitter.com/aussiewongm/status/1347044731935592449

Reform of the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport

Have your say:

On February 12 2021, the Department published the Reform of the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport: Consultation Regulation Impact Statement (Consultation RIS.) The Consultation RIS includes regulatory and non-regulatory reform options for 16 areas of the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 (Transport Standards). The Consultation RIS will be open for public feedback until April 23 2021.

https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/transport/disabilities/have-your-say/index.aspx

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/91668

New advisory council to build a more accessible Queensland
11th March 2021

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey

The Palaszczuk Government has announced the members of an independent advisory council to advise the government on building better accessibility on transport and roads projects across Queensland.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey made the announcement in Parliament today and said the seven new members of the Queensland Accessible Transport Advisory Council (QATAC) would bring more than 100 years of experience to the table.

The members are:

Dr Emily Steel – Occupational Therapist and expert on assistive technology, cognitive accessibility and universal design;
John Mayo – Chief Advisor – Government, Spinal Life Australia;
Sarah Hartley – Advocacy Advisor, Vision Australia;
Wendy Lovelace – Architect and Access Advisor;
Natalie Naumann – Technical Officer – Transport & Open Space Planning, Townsville City Council;
Shannon Wandmaker – Director, Cain Wandmaker Consulting; and
Dr Kelly Bertolaccini - Lecturer of Transport Engineering, Griffith University.

The group, which has worked in fields like accessibility, construction, government policy and law, will be chaired by retired District Court Judge Michael Forde, who was Commissioner of the NGR inquiry.

"The transport and roads infrastructure we build must be as accessible as possible for everyone," Mr Bailey said.

"This new council will give a stronger voice to those with vision, hearing, physical or cognitive impairments as well as older people, parents with prams and youth groups.

"The Palaszczuk Government is proudly committed to providing accessible, safe and reliable transport for all Queenslanders.

"We've seen that with our half-a-billion investment to make train stations more accessible, $5.4 billion Cross River Rail project and $335 million program to rectify NGR trains to comply with national disability laws.

"Queenslanders have seen the consequences of failing to engage the disability sector under the Newman Government.

"The advisory council will help to make sure we won't let that happen again."

Assistant Minister for Regional Roads and Train Manufacturing Bruce Saunders welcomed the new members and said their input would be crucial in delivering the Palaszczuk Government's commitment to build the next generation of trains in Maryborough.

"This new body will provide frank, expert advice on how we can make our record $26.9 billion spend on transport and roads accessible for all Queenslanders," Mr Saunders said.

"The establishment of QATAC will provide disability-sector representatives with an unprecedented opportunity for early and authentic consultation on all major transport projects.

Mr Bailey said making transport accessible was crucial so everyone can access vital services, appointments, work, school and recreation, and participate in their communities.

"That's why we've established QATAC and why we continue to make accessibility a key focus at our train stations – by raising platforms, installing new footbridges with lifts and providing new accessible parking," Mr Bailey said.

Station upgrades are currently underway at Fairfield, Dakabin, Auchenflower and Cannon Hill stations, with upgrades recently completed at Morayfield, Strathpine and Boondall stations and four new underground stations, eight new and upgraded surface stations in Brisbane and three new stations on the Gold Coast to be delivered with Cross River Rail.

"With Queenslanders continuing to manage the impacts of COVID-19 and now the rollout of vaccines across the state, the Palaszczuk Government has been able to get on with its record investment in transport and roads, and I'm proud that this council will make sure that infrastructure is accessible for all."

ENDS

https://twitter.com/seatsixtyone/status/1401887758843531264

^ why does the ramp hit the platform edge, and then retract slightly? I would've though the ideal experience would be a completely gapless boarding?

Quote from: achiruel on June 09, 2021, 05:55:59 AM
^ why does the ramp hit the platform edge, and then retract slightly? I would've though the ideal experience would be a completely gapless boarding?

Not really sure but my guess is that the when a stop is detected the ramp motors are auto-reversed a short distance in case something was trapped in the gap.

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1409165601000488960

Quote from: ozbob on June 09, 2021, 02:05:15 AM
https://twitter.com/seatsixtyone/status/1401887758843531264

That's automation for you. QLD is far behind the eight ball. Even with buses in other jurisdictions there are convenient automated ramps.

Metro will have level boarding for sure.

https://twitter.com/InclusionMoves/status/1421256159214784518

https://twitter.com/ptua/status/1430723182416130053

https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tableOffice/questionsAnswers/2021/1058-2021.pdf

Note these figures will exclude TransLink supplied school services, there are still stacks of step-entry buses around fitting with go card equipment delivering those services on a daily basis (although every operator who still has them would be able to supply a DDA compliant vehicle to a particular service if needed, and I understand TransLink is no longer funding the acquisition of anything that is not low-entry in SEQ).

The only places in SEQ where you should still find step-entry buses on TransLink route services (excluding for rail replacement and school) are:

- Transdev (peak hour services, and it wouldn't surprise me to learn the odd other service built into those shifts).  They have 18 step-entry buses left, some of which would only be used for school and charter anyway.
- Bus Queensland (routes 539, and I think 529 occasionally - those are basically highway services, and the only buses used for these should be those fitted with wheelchair lifts).

It should be simple enough to go 100% low entry by early next year.  The next priority is to start going electric much more fulsomely than is planned.  There are easily 50+ electric buses all over Sydney now and it appears diesels are no longer going to be supplied anywhere in the Sydney metropolitan contract regions.  Up here, we have a commitment for 16 new electrics for Hornibrook at North Lakes, I think 10 for Logan City, 1 already at Transdev, 2 at Logan Coaches and 4 at BCC - plus the 60 Brisbane Metro bi-artics. 

My view remains that TransLink should be bulk-buying the bus fleet based on a common specification and livery (that preferably involves a 100% low floor, not just to the rear axle or worse), and allocating them to each operator as needed.  There is no reason from a customer perspective why one operators buses should be any different to the next operators.  TransLink should also be funding the recharging infrastructure that will be needed.

https://twitter.com/nhk_news/status/1465266856957206534

Quote from: ozbob on December 01, 2021, 03:46:56 AM
https://twitter.com/nhk_news/status/1465266856957206534

Japan is playing catch up with accessibility  standards. This is a great automated advancement.

ABC News --> Queensland is unlikely to meet the legislated goal of having all train stations fully accessible this year

QuoteA looming deadline to make public transport accessible to people with disability is set to be missed by the Queensland government, despite authorities having 20 years to make changes.

Key points:

Advocates say current standards are outdated

The Human Rights Commission can give broad exemptions to accessibility rules

Around 60 per cent of south-east Queensland train stations are fully accessible

The federal Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 lays out a timeline to complete accessibility upgrades by the end of this year.

A Transport and Main Roads spokesperson said the government is "committed to providing a single, integrated transport network which is accessible to all", but 40 per cent of train stations across south-east Queensland cannot be accessed without stairs.

Geoff Trappett, an advocate for people with disability, said accessible transport is an often neglected issue.

"Unfortunately, when you're dealing with issues of people being abused or neglected ... transport can be one of those issues that just doesn't rise to the top of the pile," he said.

While the installation of lifts and ramps can overcome stairs at stations, there are other aspects of train stations that can make access difficult for people with disability, particularly if they use a wheelchair or other mobility devices.

For example, the tracks at level crossings have flange gaps in the road that are difficult to roll over. If a station only has level crossing or stairs to get between platforms, they can be virtually unusable for many. ...

Once again. We have the money...we just choose to spend it on freeways and park n rides.  This is not a mater of balancing costs it is just not caring.  Suspect there will also be an element of "people with disabilities always drive".... which is utter BS.

Would not surprise me if they'll probably be some lawyers somewhere ready to advertise to start a legal action. Can't imagine a judge would be persuaded or impressed given that 20 years was available to complete the works.

If this happens, they will probably be hit with a Mandamus order (a 'do your job' order by a court)

Mandamus >> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandamus

Statutory orders of review
https://queenslandlawhandbook.org.au/the-queensland-law-handbook/your-rights-and-responsibilities/complaints-against-government-judicial-review/remedies-for-judicial-review-of-government-actions/

Quotemandamus—an order by the court requiring an administrative body to perform an act (e.g. make a decision)

Note: This post is not legal advice.

Reminds me, anyone know what's going on with Buranda?  Nothing much has been said about Buranda since 2018 when the project was first announced.  Some issue with the neighbouring uni accommodation building?

Seems to have ground to a halt in 2019 indeed STB

https://www.queenslandrail.com.au/inthecommunity/projects/buranda-station-upgrade

I will ask what is happening.

Seems a joke it wasnt done.

152 stations.
20 year deadline.

They wouldnt have started from zero since I think Airtrain and the GC Line had lifts from day 1 prior to 2002.

Even so 152/20= 7.6 stations per year, which is not an insurmountable task, about 1 per line, per year.

Didn't Buranda burn down 🔥 and was rebuilt? Or did they rebuild to non-DDA standards anyway?

Quote from: #Metro on March 23, 2022, 10:53:34 AMDidn't Buranda burn down 🔥 and was rebuilt? Or did they rebuild to non-DDA standards anyway?

If they rebuilt to non-DDA standards then I can't imagine that would be the slightest bit favourable in court.

The station building was burnt down in 2009 IIRC?  Station building was rebuilt, but nothing was done to the station itself.

IMHO this is the stuff that should be in the City Deal for SEQ.

Accessible stations. Will be embarrassing if international Paralympic athletes can't get around SEQ train stations because there is no lift and there are gaps in the platform/train door.

QuoteCommuters who use wheelchairs are taking legal action against the Victorian government and Melbourne's tram operator over their failure to keep pace with federal standards for accessible public transport.

Five people with a range of disabilities are taking their case to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, in what could be the first of several discrimination cases levelled against the government and Yarra Trams over the lag in overhauling Melbourne's sprawling tram network.

Wheelchair users take legal action over 'frustrating' pace of tram upgrades
https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/wheelchair-users-take-legal-action-over-frustrating-pace-of-melbourne-tram-upgrades-20210627-p584n8.html#:~:text=The%20cost%20of%20upgrading%20all,tram%20stop%2C%20over%2030%20years.

https://www.queenslandrail.com.au/aboutus/mediacentre/seq-accessibility-maps

New station maps improve accessibility information (Ministerial statement)
22/03/2022

New digital maps showing accessibility features for South East Queensland train stations are being rolled out, to make journey planning easier for all.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the new station maps complemented the $500 million Station Accessibility Upgrade Program underway across the South East.

"The Palaszczuk Government is committed to providing accessible public transport for all, which is why we are delivering a program of works to progressively upgrade train stations," Mr Bailey said.

"The new station maps simplify journey planning by showing the layout of all 152 stations, including station entry points and how platforms can be accessed via lift, ramp or stairs, as well as platform area that is level with the train doors.

"They show the location of important features including hearing loops, accessible toilets, help phones and accessible parking and importantly, they show which paths of travel through the station are accessible.

"It is essential to make public transport as easily accessible as possible so people can participate in their communities and access vital services, and this initiative seeks to support this.

"Providing transparent and accurate information about the network will help customers to travel safely and confidently."

Mr Bailey said the Palaszczuk Government would continue to invest in improving the accessibility of public transport.

"In January, I was pleased to open the recently-completed accessibility upgrade of East Ipswich station, while works continue at Cannon Hill, Dakabin and Auchenflower," he said.

"Over the last few months we have invited locals to have their say on future upgrades at Lindum, Burpengary, Banyo, Bundamba and Morningside stations and it was great to have so many locals involved

"These upgrades are delivering accessible stations which feature raised platforms, new pedestrian bridges with lifts, accessible toilets, parking and accessibility features such as hearing loops.

"We are also delivering a number of station accessibility upgrades as part of Cross River Rail and Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail.

"These new maps will go a long way to ensuring everyone can easily understand how to access our high-frequency public transport network as it continues to evolve."

The maps will be uploaded on the Queensland Rail website and can be accessed from a computer or smartphone.

Progressive roll-out of audio descriptions will launch alongside them next month to assist vision impaired customers with their journey planning.

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1506697552376184832

Quote from: ozbob on March 23, 2022, 10:03:46 AMSeems to have ground to a halt in 2019 indeed STB

https://www.queenslandrail.com.au/inthecommunity/projects/buranda-station-upgrade

I will ask what is happening.

Queensland Rail contacted me.  They will follow up and send to me an update in due course.

Why aren't these being produced using what is meant to be the network wide common branding for TransLink?

Let's hazard a guess that these aren't made available on the TransLink website in the forgotten maps section which has about 15-20 different formats.

Silos, silos, silos...

Maps are all fine and dandy....now we just need to get this information integrated into the TransLink Journey Planner and stop it spitting out trips to stations that are not wheelchair accessible.

^ good point STB.

https://twitter.com/ptua/status/1507512575256596482

Update on Buranda station > https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?msg=256923

Quote from: ozbob on March 24, 2022, 12:13:10 PM

Quote from: ozbob on March 23, 2022, 10:03:46 AMSeems to have ground to a halt in 2019 indeed STB

https://www.queenslandrail.com.au/inthecommunity/projects/buranda-station-upgrade

I will ask what is happening.

Queensland Rail contacted me.  They will follow up and send to me an update in due course.

Stage 2 Reform of the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002

https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/have-your-say/stage-2-reform-disability-standards-accessible-public-transport-2002

We are seeking feedback on proposed reforms to the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 to ensure they remain efficient and effective, are fit for purpose and meet the current needs of Australians.

Quote from: ozbob on March 29, 2022, 00:20:56 AMUpdate on Buranda station > https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?msg=256923

Quote from: ozbob on March 24, 2022, 12:13:10 PM

Quote from: ozbob on March 23, 2022, 10:03:46 AMSeems to have ground to a halt in 2019 indeed STB

https://www.queenslandrail.com.au/inthecommunity/projects/buranda-station-upgrade

I will ask what is happening.

Queensland Rail contacted me.  They will follow up and send to me an update in due course.

FYI - here is my response to said TOD (which it is a long way of being a TOD)

There are a number of elements that need to be addressed to ensure the development fulfills not only its position next to a major rail/bus interchange and within a district centre but also the signature location/positioning.
 
There are still several elements that fall below urban design best practices and are a missed opportunity to demonstrate what "good sustainable, walkable, low-traffic, transit-oriented" neighbourhoods look like.

The Queensland Government's Transit Oriented Development guide states that a TOD is characterised by:
•    a rapid and frequent transit service •
•    high accessibility to the transit station
•    a mix of residential, retail, commercial and community uses
•    high quality public spaces and streets, which are pedestrian and cyclist friendly
•    medium- to high-density development within 800 metres of the transit station (i.e. the TOD precinct); and
•    reduced rates of private car parking.

The area where the development does not meet these guidelines

High accessibility to the transit station

The entrance to the station from Gillingham Street is hard to envisage.  BCC, the Developer, TMR and Queensland Rail should work to make the entrance in Gillingham St a high-quality entrance rather than simply stairs and a lift.
   
High quality public spaces and streets, which are pedestrian and cyclist friendly

The development is not pedestrian or cyclist friendly with vehicle movements throughout many of the public domains.  Gillingham Street should be converted into a living-street shared zone as shown in Figure 1.  Access to the existing and any proposed loading dock should be restricted to between 9pm and 5am. 

Figure 1- Shared Living Street

The internal road "The Boulevade" should be removed and replaced with a pedestrian zone/plaza.  The Stage 5 Drop off should also be removed with a drop off provided in Gillingham Street.  This would enable an additional active/retail frontage to be presented to Logan Road.

The development presents blank walls to O'Keefe Street and the northern train station pedestrian access.  All street or pedestrian paths frontages should have active frontage. There also appears to be no awnings/shade protection is over surrounding footpaths.  The is a characteristic of older commercial centres and makes them pedestrian friendly.

Podium Carparking also reduces casual observation of the street and significantly reduces safety for pedestrians and cyclists. (see comments below regarding reduced rates of car parking).  Podium parking should be removed.

The current O'Keefe/Logan Road Roundabout is extremely unsafe for pedestrian and cyclists and the intersection of O'Keefe and Junction Streets is unsafe for all users of the roads/space.  The roundabout should be removed and a 4-way intersection create with Junction Street.  This intersection should be built as a protection intersection shown in Figure 2 below:

Figure 2 - Protected Signalised Intersection

The public space and streets in the whole vicinity are highly unsafe for pedestrian and cyclist and should be redeveloped as transit streets as they are major roads as shown in Figure 3.

Figure 3 - Transit Street

Reduced rates of private car parking.

The provision of some 659 car parks completely and utterly ignores the location of the building adjacent the railway station. This is congestion creating parking provision.  This is in no way "reduced rates of private car parking". The proposal should have no minimum car parking requirement with a maximum car park limit set that heavily restricts carparking.  Many cities around the world are making such development "car-free".  The provision of ample car parking is directly linked to increase in driving and associated congestion.

Accordingly, there should be no retail, aged care, commercial nor residential visitor parking. The PSBA parking should be minimal preferrably none at all. The residential parking should have no minimum requirement and be heavily restricted.  The current provision ignores the current location adjacent to a busway and rail station/interchange.
 
Urban sprawl is bad but car-oriented higher density is a colossal failure.  This development is currently car-oriented higher density.  In fact it has the feel of a "US Business Park" next to a freeway interchange. 

ABC Radio Brisbane --> Meet the man making it easier for vision-impaired people to hail a bus in Brisbane

QuoteImagine standing on the side of the road, trying to hail a bus with your eyes closed.

You can't make eye contact with the approaching driver and you're not even sure you're standing in the right place, so the bus you need drives straight past.

This a story played out across Brisbane's bus network daily for people who are vision impaired.

Santiago Valesquez says there has to be a better way to catch a bus in this city if you can't see it.

Inteview > https://abcmedia.akamaized.net/radio/local_brisbane/audio/202204/aam-2022-04-21-vision-impaired-buses.mp3

=====

Santiago Valesquez

" In partnership with MIT alumni, he drives project Hailo – which aims to develop a system that remotely alerts the bus driver when a visually impaired person wants to board the bus. "

https://www.qut.edu.au/study/parents-and-guardians/news?id=149662