Our new metro in Sydney is pretty awesome and it’s driverless so a speedy trip. Yes, other countries have had driverless trains for years but this is a first for Sydney. How accessible is it for a person on a mobility scooter though? Today I’m looking at Barangaroo for my first look at this Metro line.

Getting there

There is nowhere for a car to pull up here. The focus is on bicycles and foot traffic only (as is much of Darling Harbour/Barangaroo). You are best heading a further 250 metres north along Hickson Road, after the Metro station (pictured below), where parking can be found.

Head direct along Hickson Rd and turn left on Towns Place. It is a journey of around 250 metres after you see the Metro station. It is a flat journey if you wait to turn left at Towns Place rather than turning left beforehand. At the roundabout you will find 2 disabled parking spots (if you have a disabled sticker), along with street parking. Barangaroo Point Wilson’s Parking Station is also located there. Once you park make your way south along Hickson Road via Towns Place You can open the map of the area here https://opendata.transport.nsw.gov.au/dataset/2855613d-66b5-456f-9bf4-2c33cd16cd44/resource/330009b0-5267-4cee-8a7f-e2353f6cf504/download/bao_apxl_lsg_wcag_20240714.pdf

As for me, we parked on Towns Place and I took the leisurely way and scootered south around the waterfront at Wulugul Walk at Barangaroo Reserve. It is a 15-20 minute scenic scooter ride. Plenty of photos! For context, my mobility scooter is equivalent to a brisk walk at full speed or 6.5km per hour.

It’s a really pleasant space here currently. It was public land that was used to create this parkland area. There has been an ongoing battle as developers keep trying to change the terms of agreement to put up apartments and the like here. We will keep fighting to keep our public space. The views are sensational so I can see why but our focus was on public space for Sydney Harbour. We hold our government accountable because once it’s gone it’s gone. Hoping they will keep their word.

2 separate lifts

So you’ve made it this far. So glad you didn’t bring your walker. The expanse and distance is way too time consuming. I just wouldn’t make the distance. My mobility scooter was the right choice.

There are two lifts and they are roomy so and easily fits my portable mobility scooter. The first takes you to the concourse and the second, on the other side of the turnstile, takes you to the platform.

Easy access gates

The access gates/turnstile takes an Opal card. It will also take the amount off your debit card. We tap on when we begin and tap off when we get to our destination.

Disabled seating

There are 3 seats in a row that fold down. My portable mobility scooter was a nice fit when all 3 remain up. They have chairs like this in every other carriage by the looks of it.

Entry/Exit

When I heard the metro line was driverless I wanted to know if I could get on and off easily enough. The answer is yes. The train even lets you know which door will be opening before you arrive so I could position my scooter ready to exit. The gap is flat and no more than 4cm.

Crowds and comfort

The journey is rapid so it does pay to hang on ’til it stops if you are unsteady on your feet. I remained on my scooter so it was fine. I have come on a day where most people don’t work so it was easy to navigate the space. I always avoid peak hour in Sydney as it can be very difficult to get on and off public transport if you have a mobility aide.

The City/Southwest line currently goes from Tallawong on Sydneys North Shore and finishes at Sydenham. Eventually it will extend further west to Bankstown. The stops I would use the most would be Martin Place, and Gadigal as they are both in the Sydney CBD.

https://www.sydneymetro.info/map/sydney-metro-interactive-train-map

Don’t forget to tap off and enjoy the latest edition to transport options around Sydney.

Dezzie 2024