On the 9th of May, Southern Cross Station buzzed with activity as it hosted a special event geared towards supporting individuals of all abilities. Designed to support people of all abilities, Try Before You Ride aimed to increase attendees’ confidence in using the public transport system.

The event drew in over 130 participants, offering them the chance to explore stationary Metro and V/Line trains, as well as bus, coach, and taxi services, along with guided tram trips. This hands-on experience provided invaluable practice for boarding and disembarking, familiarised attendees with accessibility features, and facilitated conversations with public transport staff.

Metro’s Accessibility and Inclusion Team, along with the Community Education Team, a group of Authorised Officers, a train driver and team of Multi-Modal Authorised Officers helped to deliver the event. Ebony Fry, Accessibility and Inclusion Advisor, remarked, “There was significant community interest in this event, and it was great to have the opportunity to support attendees and address their questions and concerns.”

The success of the event was a result of extensive collaboration among Metro, V/Line, Kinetic, Yarra Trams, and the Department of Transport and Planning in preceding months. It was rewarding to receive positive feedback from attendees and we hope the event has provided them with the confidence they need to access public transport.