New and improved Maylands train station opens

11/8/01

Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan today opened the new Maylands train station, which incorporates excellence in design with state-of-the-art passenger facilities.
The $3.7 million project has transformed the old Maylands train station into a high quality, modern public transport facility.
Improved features of the station include better disability access features such as tactile paving and graduated ramps, a new pedestrian underpass, a change machine and better parking and pick-up and drop-off areas.
The new station will also be permanently staffed by a Customer Service Attendant, which will improve safety and security on the platform. The station has also been designed to be easily adaptable to the introduction of smart card technology in 2003, which will restrict entry to the platform.
The upgrade of the station is part of the Western Australian Government Railways Disability Action Plan.
"The goal of the Disability Action Plan, which was developed with the assistance of the Disability Services Commission, is to upgrade existing services and infrastructure to ensure that trains and train stations meet the needs of everyone," Ms MacTiernan said.
"The WA Institute for the Blind, which has long been located close to the station, was extensively involved in planning special features at the station as were other special interest groups."
Apart from the station meeting Australian Standards in regard to disability access, the station also contains a Braille design feature. The brightly coloured, fun feature is situated along the underpass indicating Braille alphabet letters in comparison to the English alphabet.
The local community was also consulted on design elements to ensure the new station reflected the heritage of the area.
"The station design has managed to produce an attractive contemporary space that is nevertheless sympathetic to the federation architecture of the surrounding area," the Minister said.
A key feature of the design is the openness of the underpass. Sloping walls have been built to create a walkway above and allow natural light to enter the area.
"The station is now a safe and friendly facility that provides easy access to our public transport system for all the community," Ms MacTiernan said.
"We need to encourage people to get out of their cars and on to public transport.
"Experience with the northern suburbs railway line has shown that improving our rail facilities and services are paramount in achieve this aim."
Local MLA Dr Judy Edwards said the project was an excellent example of how communities could participate and be involved in the development of facilities in their area.
"By working together, the Government and the community have created a safe, user-friendly train station that looks fantastic. It is an achievement of which everyone can be proud," Dr Edwards said.
Media contact: Keri Welham 9213 6400