Metro tour: Travelling to a new standard in accessibility

It’s no secret that our customers are passionate about accessibility, which is why when Northcott was invited to test the Sydney Metro line on a private tour before it opened, our customers from Northcott Seven Hills and Northcott Parramatta Life Skills jumped at the opportunity.

We headed out together ready to experience the fully accessible railway for ourselves. Before jetting off on the train, customers were met by the Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance, Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward, Member for Hawkesbury Robyn Preston and Sydney Metro staff. The station featured wide paths, multiple lifts and accessible parking spots close to the station, generating excitement in customers from first sight.

Ready to ask questions to the Ministers and Metro staff, and provide them with honest feedback, our customers were more than impressed with the driverless trains and their stations.

Northcott customer Saskia said, “The inside of the train was really nice. I liked how fast it was going.”

Our customer Melissa was also rapt with everything about the Metro, including the “easy access for wheelchairs and the barrier between the platform and the rails.” She says that she will definitely use the line again.

“I’m even thinking of moving out this way just to use the transport as it is the best I’ve ever used and it is so easy to get on and off without help,” Melissa said.

Our other customers on the ride agreed that the Metro line is a real game-changer. Here’s what they have to say:

Greg:

“I was impressed by the train and how quickly we could board. I was also impressed with the stations and the facilities that they had. The tour was fantastic, and the Ministers were very knowledgeable. I will definitely be using the new Metro line as it is easy to get on and off and is quick between Epping and Chatswood with frequent services.”

Mariam:

“I was impressed with the whole railway; hopefully there will be one like it in Parramatta soon. The tour was fun even if we were a little nervous to talk to people. Yes, I would use it again to access the community easily.”

Omar:

“The train was easy to get on and off with no steps or gap around and I really liked that. It was very roomy, which impressed me. The tour was good and it was great that they did some interviews with my friends, the Ministers are doing a good job.”

William:

“I like just how it looks, small on the outside but big on the inside and every carriage is air-conditioned. Smooth access on entry to train, even a manual wheelchair can use it! The tour went quite well, I got to meet the Disability Minister and he was a really nice man and happy to talk to me.”

Have you been on the Metro yet? What did you think of the ride?