Accessibility upgrades

While passengers with a disability can access and travel on the New Generation Rollingstock trains, some compliance issues have been identified in terms of access to and functionality of key facilities on the train.

During 2018, we carried out an innovative codesign process with the disability sector to explore design changes and resolve non-compliances.

As a result of this process, the Queensland Government is delivering the $335.7 million NGR accessibility upgrade project, which is installing accessibility upgrades into the entire NGR fleet. 

The accessibility upgrades include:

  • replace the existing unisex toilet module with a new unisex toilet module to an extended footprint to meet dimensions and improve functionality in line with the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 (DSAPT)
  • adding a second unisex toilet module to all 75 trains to ensure all wheelchair accessible spaces have compliant access to accessible facilities
  • reconfiguration of seating and allocated spaces in both accessible cars
  • increase in the number of priority seats throughout the train
  • improved signage (including wording and braille)
  • additional grab/handrails, and redesign of equipment to make it easier to operate for customers with limited dexterity
    changes to functionality and additional systems for assistance request and information.

Installation of the upgrades for all 75 NGR trains, delivered at the Downer rail plant at Maryborough, have been completed with the two remaining trains going through final stages of acceptance at Wulkuraka.

The remaining two trains are forecast to be available for service late July 2024, ahead of the contracted schedule.

Accessibility upgrade timeline

  • 29 October 2019: First NGR arrives in Maryborough to begin installation of accessibility upgrades.
  • April 2021: First upgraded NGR train began passenger services in South East Queensland.
  • 2024: All 75 NGR trains modified with accessibility upgrades and back in passenger service.