The New South Wales Government has announced that seven stations will receive new upgrades as part of an $800 million commitment to deliver accessibility improvements to stations across the state.
The seven stations that will receive upgrades under the program include the 136-year-old Macquarie Fields Station, as well as the Moss Vale, Lewisham, Griffith, Bardwell Park, Chester Hill and Queenbeyan stations.
The program is designed to make public transport safer and more accessible, particularly for vulnerable members of the community.
Works that have been highlighted for the Macquarie Fields Station include a new footbridge with lifts, stairs, a covered walkway to the platforms, a new family accessible toilet, improved lighting and CCTV. This also includes six accessible parking spaces, two new accessible drop-off spaces and a relocated bus stop. Access to the station will be improved with a new pedestrian crossing and signage.
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Having completed early stakeholder engagement with vulnerable members of the community, Transport for NSW will undertake targeted stakeholder engagement over the coming months. The community will be invited to have their say on the draft concept design toward the end of the year.
The $800 million program consists of the Transport Accessibility Program, the Commuter Carpark Program and an additional $300 million that was committed at the 2023 election.
Premier Chris Minns said the funding would ensure that vulnerable members of the community are able to access public transport services easier and safer.
“In 2024, it’s not acceptable that a person in a wheelchair or a parent with a pram can’t access a station in NSW,” Minns said.
“We committed to upgrading train stations to make them more accessible, safe and secure for the people who need them the most, and that is what we are delivering.”
Major works are expected to get underway in late 2024, following the development of planning approval documentation.