Two more train stations – both in Liberal electorates – will get lifts installed this year, despite both ranking lower than Unanderra.
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Along with Leura station, it means three stations have jumped the queue for easy access upgrades in the last 12 months.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced just ahead of last month’s budget that there would be Transport Access Program (TAP) funding to install lifts at Glenbrook and Como stations.
According to Transport for NSW (TfNSW) rankings released under freedom of information, Unanderra’s final ranking score as of October last year was higher than all three stations.
Also, on available rankings, Unanderra was 11th, while Leura was 14th and Glenbrook was 16th. The documents did not give a ranking for Como
Wollongong MP Paul Scully felt the Glenbrook and Como station upgrades were examples of the government playing politics.
“This confirms that the latest round of access upgrades for stations are dictated by political need, not people’s needs and it’s not good enough,” Mr Scully said.
“On almost every measure Unanderra Station scored more highly yet stations with lower rankings, fewer passengers and accessible stations nearby have been prioritised above it.”
A TfNSW spokeswoman said Unanderra’s upgrade was deferred due to the need to update concept plans due to the location of underground services.
This was first noted back in 2010 and it is unclear whether the plans are now complete.
“Customers at Unanderra Station can be assured the provision of an accessibility upgrade will continue to be considered as part of the TAP,” the spokeswoman said.
