Brisbane Metro has moved closer to delivering the biggest improvement to accessible mass transit travel in Queensland for decades.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner today announced 400,000 working hours had been completed on the new state-of-the-art Brisbane Metro charging depot in Rochedale.
The key milestone follows the latest engagement with the Brisbane Metro Accessibility Working Group, which was established in 2019.
The group has helped guide key design changes to ensure Brisbane Metro vehicles have unrivalled accessibility compared to trains and buses.
From Monday (tomorrow), work will begin at the Rochedale depot to commission the 60 overnight-charging systems, one for each of the fully-electric vehicles.
The vehicles, which currently number 11, will be stationed at the depot from June.
The 10-hectare charging depot will include:
- Stabling and maintenance facilities for the Brisbane Metro fleet
- Five end-of-route flash charger that can charge the vehicle in less than six minutes
- 60 plug-in overnight charging facilities
- Metro driver amenities, administration offices and parking
Cr Schrinner said Brisbane Metro will deliver a mass transit revolution in terms of reliability, accessibility and sustainability.
“Brisbane is the fastest growing capital city in Australia and we are determined maintain our incredible lifestyle and keep our city moving,” he said.
“Brisbane Metro will help do that by delivering turn-up-and-go services, including 24-hour a day on weekends, which will make it easier to leave the car at home.
“Brisbane Metro vehicles will also be one of the most accessible mass transit options in Australia.
“The vehicle’s unique features are well beyond required standards, making this kind of mass transit travel possible for some people for the very first time.
“We’re incredibly proud to be helping transform the future of accessible mass transit travel in Australia.
“At the same time, the fully-electric vehicle will deliver a quieter, more comfortable ride for all commuters, making this form of travel far more attractive.”
The Brisbane Metro Accessibility Working Group co-design process has led to 35 major design changes to Brisbane Metro vehicles.
The vehicle co-design process and Brisbane Metro’s engagement with the accessibility sector have been internationally recognised.
In 2023, Council won three awards for its engagement with the Accessibility Working Group, winning both IAP2 Australasian Project of the Year and the Infrastructure (Planning and Design) category, as well as receiving an honourable mention in International Project of the Year.
Accessibility features on Brisbane Metro vehicles include:
- Three large mobility bays in the first passenger compartment (standard is two)
- Automated on-request ramp access at the first passenger door
- Audio messages to support vision impaired users to be aware if the automatic ramp is being deployed.
- Ten priority seats (standard is two)
- Low floor design for accessible boarding
- Next-stop audio plus hearing loops
- Passenger information displays with dynamic route map information, positioned to increase visibility from the mobility bays
- Railing positions and help points at different heights providing options for people with varying dexterity abilities.
Civic Cabinet Chair for Transport Ryan Murphy said Brisbane Metro had set a new standard for accessibility.
“Each vehicle has three mobility bays in the first passenger compartment and ten priority seats, which are both above and beyond the Federal Government’s requirements,” Cr Murphy said.
“The Metro is also equipped with an automated on-request ramp and a low floor design, to assist boarding for passengers with mobility requirements.
“Invaluable insight and feedback from accessibility advocates and people with lived experience has been critical to achieving this inclusive vehicle design.
“This was the most significant co-design engagement process Council has ever undertaken and it will transform the future of accessible public transport in Australia.
“By working together with the accessibility community and their advocates we have been able to achieve a vehicle that will provide independence, dignity, and choice for everyone.”
Brisbane Metro is scheduled to commence services in late 2024.
