ADELAIDE — Disability advocates are pressing for the rapid installation of tactile ground markers at train stations and bus stops, arguing that safety upgrades for blind and low-vision commuters are urgently needed across public transport networks.
Tactile ground surface indicators (TGSIs), which feature raised lines and warning dots to assist white cane users, are currently governed by national accessibility standards that give train and tram operators until December 2032 to fully comply. However, advocates note that delays in rolling out the paving leave vulnerable passengers exposed to significant safety risks.
Travis Ratsch, a legally blind commuter who relies on public transport daily to maintain his independence, emphasized that the markers are essential for helping him navigate safely and avoid danger. Blind Citizens Australia national advocacy officer Martin Stewart added that the lack of proper infrastructure increases the likelihood of dangerous platform accidents.
Legal experts note that national accessibility requirements fall under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, establishing benchmarks for public transport operators to demonstrate they have taken reasonable steps to accommodate passengers with disabilities.
