Christian Astourian is spearheading a campaign for accessible tram stops along Sydney Road in Melbourne’s inner north, ahead of major disruptions to public transport in the area.

Astourian, of Greek-Armenian heritage, is the Diversity and Disability Manager at the Migrant Resource Centre North West Region. As a person with disability, he has spent his life advocating for multicultural Australians with disabilities.

He told Neos Kosmos that the campaign will culminate in a community rally at Coburg Mall on Saturday, June 28, at 11am.

The campaign is a direct response to the impending closure of the Upfield train line, set to be shut down for up to two years due to level crossing removal works. Astourian warns that this will leave the area with no accessible public transport.

“The lack of accessible tram stops affects people with disability, elderly people, parents with prams, and anyone with temporary mobility issues,” he said.

“Bus replacements and taxis on standby are not acceptable alternatives.”

However, according to the Victorian government the Upfield Line will not be closed for two years and the exact length of the closure will be determined once planning is complete.

“If it can be done elsewhere…”

Astourian is calling on the Victorian Government to fund accessible tram stops along Sydney Road.

“Accessible tram stops have been built n High Street, Northcote, Bridge Road in Richmond, and throughout the CBD,” he noted.

Among his proposed solutions is a simple yet effective one: raise the road surface at tram stops to footpath level, enabling step-free boarding.

He has submitted two petitions with over 7,000 signatures to both houses of the Victorian Parliament and has held meetings with ministerial advisors and Merri-bek Council, which he says has been supportive. Yet, progress has been frustratingly slow.

“There’s still a long way to go because Sydney Road is not a priority for the Victorian government,” he said.

Auditor-General: “No realistic prospect of meeting accessibility targets”

According to a 2022 report by the Victorian Auditor-General’s Office (VAGO), the Department of Transport (DoT) “has not met the targets set by the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport (DSAPT)”, and there was “no realistic prospect that DoT can meet the target of 100 per cent DSAPT-compliant tram infrastructure by 31 December 2022.”

The report further states that the Department is so behind in rolling out low-floor trams that it will not meet the 2032 deadline for full accessibility.

VAGO also found that the Department “does not know the true extent of its compliance” with accessibility laws, due to unreliable data.

With tram exemptions now expired, the Department and the State of Victoria are likely in breach of federal accessibility standards, exposing them to potential discrimination complaints and legal action—while leaving many Victorians behind.

Astourian estimates that upgrading key tram stops would cost between $3–5 million per stop, which he notes is “just one-tenth the cost of the Upfield train line level crossing removal.”

“I’m not expecting every stop on Sydney Road to be upgraded—just the top five,” he said.

Strong political support, but a need for action

Astourian has met with local Labor MPs, including Pascoe Vale’s Anthony Cianflone, Sheena Watt from the Northern Metropolitan Region, and an advisor to Transport Minister Gabrielle Williams. He’s also spoken with Merri-bek councillors.

“They all acknowledge the issue but don’t see it as a priority—reflecting the government’s broader stance.”

Merri-bek’s Deputy Mayor Helen Politis strongly backs the campaign and told Neos Kosmos:

“Accessible tram stops enable all people, regardless of age or disability, to get around and be part of community.

“Older, disabled, and vulnerable people currently find navigating trams very difficult.

“We need to ensure everyone has equal access to transport and full community participation.”

Politis confirmed that Merri-bek Council is contributing $5,000 to support campaign events.

Victorian Government responds

Neos Kosmos reached out to the office of Transport Minister Gabrielle Williams which acknowledged that Victoria’s transport system is extensive but “ageing” and reiterated the government’s commitment to accessibility.

“We are addressing gaps on the existing network so every Victorian can travel confidently, comfortably and safely – while carefully considering accessibility for every new project.”

According to the government, since 2015, they have invested $100 billion in infrastructure, and have delivered almost 100 level-access tram stops and hundreds of accessible trams, trains, and buses.

The Transport Accessibility Strategic Framework, by the Victorian government has been developed in collaboration with people with disability and service providers.

In August 2023, the Department of Transport and Planning released Melbourne’s Tram Plan, which outlines upcoming improvements to accessibility and services. Initial work is already underway in Footscray, Northcote, and Collingwood.

The spokesperson noted that Sydney Road remains a “vital transport link in Melbourne’s north” and will be included in future development stages—though no timeline has been set.

Any upgrades to Route 19 tram stops according to Minister Williams’s office will be assessed to balance the needs of passengers, traders, and residents.

The Victorian government has also invested $1.85 billion in 100 locally built Next Generation Trams, which will begin testing later this year to support level-access stops.

“We know there is more to do” said the minister’s spokesperson.

“Whether it’s building locally-made, accessible trains, upgrading stations or delivering new connections and infrastructure – we’re working with accessibility groups to make our network better for all Victorians.”

Ultimately, integrating accessible tram stops into key corridors like Sydney Road acknowledges both the demographic realities of a rapidly gentrifying area with diverse, high-needs communities, and the future requirements of Melbourne’s growing urban population.

A community rally for accessible tram stops on Sydney Road will be held at Coburg Mall on Saturday, June 28, at 11am