The draft design for Australia’s most accessible passenger trains has been put to the test at a Low-Fidelity (Lo-Fi) train mock-up in Geebung.
Members of the disability sector, train passengers, train drivers and bike users got the chance to inspect the mock-up of the new Queensland Train Manufacturing Program (QTMP) trains.
The 65 six-car QTMP trains will be compliant with the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport (DSAPT) and will be the most accessible rollingstock in Australia when the first train is manufactured and begins testing in late 2026.
“The trains will have technology to reduce the vertical and horizontal gap between the train and platform, making it easier for people who use mobility devices, or are travelling with luggage or prams,” said Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing, Glenn Butcher.
“When the designated accessible areas on QTMP trains are not in use by priority users, customers with bikes and e-scooters will be able to use these spaces.”
All 65 QTMP trains are expected to be in service by 2032, in time for the Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games. They will feature a wide, accessible path of travel through the train, and electronic levelling control and train boarding bridges to facilitate independent boarding at all doors for people who use mobility devices.
There will also be 20 accessible spaces, 88 priority seats, two fully-accessible toilets, hearing loops, USB-C charging at all seats and four bicycle storage spaces on every train.
“We are providing trains that will future-proof public transport for Queensland in the lead up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” said Minister for Transport and Main Roads and Minister for Digital Services, Bart Mellish.
“Fraser Coast indigenous-owned business Allweld Manufacturing built the state-of-the-art Low-Fidelity train mock-up, which will help QTMP ensure the train design not only meets disability compliance but goes beyond to achieve functionality and accessibility for train passengers.”
This package of works is part of the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program, which will support 1,300 jobs throughout the life of the project.
Downer was awarded the contract for QTMP in June 2023. Downer, Rail Chief Operating Officer, Stephen Kakavas said the company was proud to be delivering the most accessible train fleet in Australia on the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program.
“The co-design process with various stakeholders in the disability sector has enabled us to better understand how we can finesse elements of design to ensure that public transport is available for everyone,” said Mr Kakavas.
“In doing so, the QTMP project is leaving a lasting legacy behind on both the Fraser Coast and Gold Coast, by investing in local communities through the supply chain and employment.”
A co-design process is ongoing with the disability sector to ensure trains are compliant, functional, and accessible for all passengers.
Disability Advocate and Spokesperson Passenger Rollingstock Accessibility Project Working Group, John Mayo said visiting the Low-fidelity mock-up was hugely beneficial.
“This is the fifth co-design project that I’ve been involved with and it’s one of the largest – it has been an exceptional way to go about things.
“Visiting the Low-fidelity mock-up is a huge benefit, because we get to see how people are actually interacting with the design.
“We have the designers, the project team, and the customer group, and all three parties are working together respectfully.
“I think this process is as good as it gets in terms of a co-design process for a major project,” he said.
