Ms THEOPHANOUS (Northcote): My question is to the Minister for Public Transport, and I ask: how is the Andrews government improving the accessibility of the public transport network in the inner north? Since being elected I have worked with my community to secure vital upgrades to our local transport system, including level crossing removals and many new and improved walking and cycling tracks, but there is still more to do. Regularly raised with me is the accessibility of our public transport network, particularly on the route 86 tram along High Street. This route already runs with many low-floor trams, which is fantastic, but there remains a significant gap when it comes to accessible stops. From stop 33 through to stop 54 there are no level-access stops. This traverses part of Northcote, the entirety of Thornbury, the entirety of Preston and some of Reservoir. Locals know how many venues, services and shops are located along this route. Whether you are someone with a disability, an older resident, a young family with a pram or even just someone carrying your weekly shop, accessible infrastructure makes a difference in getting you to where you need to go safely. It removes barriers to social isolation and economic (time expired)
