ARA members consult with their Accessibility Reference Groups on all major station upgrades. Accessibility Reference Groups function as a consultation and advisory mechanism by which operators can engage with various disability groups and organisations, ensuring the needs of people with disabilities requiring rail services are considered across all areas of planning and development. Station upgrades are discussed at the pre-feasibility, concept and design and detailed design stages with regular updates occurring throughout construction phases. 2.6 Access paths conveyances – Section A Section of the Transport Standards from which a temporary exemption is sought: 2.6 Access paths conveyances — (1) Subject to subsection (3) and section 2.7, an access path that allows continuous and unhindered passage must be provided with a minimum of at least 850 mm. (2) Subsection (1) applies to doorways and stairs, and between entrances, allocated spaces and other essential facilities for passengers using wheelchairs and other mobility aids. (3) If the conveyance exists or is ordered before the commencement of this section, the minimum width may be reduced to 800 mm at any doorway restriction. Conveyances Buses Ferries Trains Trams Light rail Section B Current temporary exemption and conditions: Temporary exemption: existing rail conveyances For a period of three years for existing rail conveyance external doors, and for a period of two years for existing rail conveyance internal doors, the width of the access path may be reduced to a minimum of 760mm, subject to the following conditions: direct assistance is available; • the ARA member concerned ensures that information is available to passengers in • advance of travel of instances where the width of the access path has been reduced; and
ARA members consult with their Accessibility Reference Groups on all major station upgrades. Accessibility Reference Groups function as a consultation and advisory mechanism by which operators can engage with various disability groups and organisations, ensuring the needs of people with disabilities requiring rail services are considered across all areas of planning and development. Station upgrades are discussed at the pre-feasibility, concept and design and detailed design stages with regular updates occurring throughout construction phases. 2.6 Access paths – conveyances Section A Section of the Transport Standards from which a temporary exemption is sought: 2.6 Access paths — conveyances (1) Subject to subsection (3) and section 2.7, an access path that allows continuous and unhindered passage must be provided with a minimum of at least 850 mm. (2) Subsection (1) applies to doorways and stairs, and between entrances, allocated spaces and other essential facilities for passengers using wheelchairs and other mobility aids. (3) If the conveyance exists or is ordered before the commencement of this section, the minimum width may be reduced to 800 mm at any doorway restriction. Conveyances Buses Ferries Trains Trams Light rail Section B Current temporary exemption and conditions: Temporary exemption: existing rail conveyances For a period of three years for existing rail conveyance external doors, and for a period of two years for existing rail conveyance internal doors, the width of the access path may be reduced to a minimum of 760mm, subject to the following conditions: • direct assistance is available; • the ARA member concerned ensures that information is available to passengers in advance of travel of instances where the width of the access path has been reduced; and