RPA’s approach to accessibility is based on “Access for All”. Whilst focused on people with mobility and sensory impairments this design approach works for everyone.
Luas is a state-of-the-art tram system providing accessible public transport in Dublin. Luas is compliant with current accessibility and environmental standards for transport systems. Well thought out surfacing, furniture, stop facilities, large visible signage, audio announcements and destination displays all serve to make the system easier to navigate.
Full wheelchair access is provided ensuring there are no steps so buggies and people with luggage can also access Luas easily. RPA and Luas operating company, Veolia Transport Ireland have established procedures and implemented staff training and awareness initiatives, which further enhance the accessibility of the system.
As with Luas it is planned that all future Luas and Metro lines under construction and development by RPA will be fully accessible.
News Letters
RPA Accessibility News Letter "Keeping in Touch with the whole Community" was published in September 2006. This document is in keeping with ethos of RPA with the accessible design of Luas for all the community. Click here to view or download RPA Accessibility News Letter September 2006.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is Accessibility in relation to public transport?
A. Accessibility means making public transport fully available to all members of the public regardless of their disability. In essence the public transport service is designed and built around the needs of all members of the population taking into account specific requirements for all to use the service every day in a full and safe way.
Q. What does RPA do for Accessibility?
A. RPA strives to develop Luas and Metro services which are fully accessible for all members of the public inclusive of their needs.
Q. What is RPA’s corporate policy in regard to public transport access?
A. One of the key objectives of the Railway Procurement Agency is to provide an integrated public transport system that not only serves all members of the public but also enhances the quality of their lives and the quality of the urban environment in the vicinity of the system.
Q. What does RPA mean by “access for all”?
A. Access for all is central to every scheme design and operation undertaken either directly by the RPA or on its behalf by third parties
Q. How does RPA compare to other light rail public transport providers around the world?
A. RPA uses and will continue to use the best international practice in disability design, it will encourage innovative and imaginative solutions and it will seek to lead the field in the provision of an accessible public transport system for Dublin
Q. What is RPA’s commitment on Accessibility?
A. RPA is committed to ensuring that its services, premises and information are fully accessible and that all staff members receive appropriate awareness training
Q. How do I contact RPA or Luas on Accessibility issues?
A. RPA welcomes suggestions on how to improve accessibility on current Luas lines and future Luas and Metro Lines.
Contact RPA
E-mail: info@rpa.ie
Phone: 01 64 63 400
Text: 086 6000 335*
(Normal text rates apply)
Freepost: Railway Procurement Agency
PR Department
Parkgate Business Centre
FREEPOST
Dublin 8
Ireland
* Standard network operator text message rates apply. Charges may vary depending on network service provider. Please contact your service provider for further information.
System information in accessible formats is available from Veolia Transport and includes a tactile map of a tram, audio tape and Braille. Information about the system such as fares, operating times, customer charter etc is also available online at www.luas.ie.
Q. Who can access Luas?
A. Everyone can access Luas. Luas is designed to offer a fully accessible service for all members of the public inclusive of their needs.
Q. Can I travel for free on Luas?
A. Pensioners and passengers who have a Department of Social and Family Affairs (DFSA) Travel Pass can travel free on Luas. Luas does not impose travel restrictions on the holders of these passes, DFSA Travel Pass holders and Pensioners can travel on Luas at any time.
Q. What are the Accessibility features on Luas?
A. The system was designed in consultation with disability groups and has the following features.
Floors - The floors are treated with an anti slip coating but take care as they can become slippery when wet.
Doors - There are many wide doors along the side of the tram which can be activated by pressing the flashing illuminated button on the door. There is also a buzzer which sounds as the doors are about to close. The door threshold is highlighted with a high grip/high contrast yellow strip. The doors will not open until the tram is positioned correctly at the platform and may be operated automatically by the driver or manually by the passenger.
Route Description - Line route maps with stop names are provided near the doors, on the Luas Ticket Machines and Luas Notice boards.
Handrails - The numerous handrails are bright yellow for optimum visibility against the darker tram interior finish.
Wheelchairs - There are two designated areas for wheelchair users, directly adjacent to either side of the 4 central sets of double tram doors. These areas are identified by the double sided wheelchair stickers on the glass above the flip up seats. Wheelchair users should apply their brake, securing themselves against the side grab rails and face rearwards for maximum safety during a sudden stop.
Priority Seating - There are four priority seats for those with special mobility requirements, in the same designated seating area.
Guide Dogs - Adequate space is provided for guide dogs underneath the designated seats.
Emergency Communication Device - There is an emergency passenger communication device on board the tram, which is located on a doorpost to the right hand side of every pair of doors; this enables a passenger to speak directly with the driver.
Emergency Brake - There is an emergency brake lever located at every door which will cause the tram to stop in the event of an emergency. False activation of the emergency brake may result in a fine. If the tram is close to a stop it may proceed there before stopping.
Luggage - Adequate space is provided for luggage and shopping bags between the seat backs on the raised area of the tram.
Information Display - There are on board digital displays in upper and lower case high contrast text which display the name of the stops and other information.
External Displays - External displays show the terminal destination of the tram on the front, back and sides of the vehicle.
Audio Announcements - There are automatic audio announcements on board giving the names of the station and other pre-recorded messages.
Tram Warning Bell – Luas trams are fitted with a bell which is used when approaching and leaving stops and at road junctions. There is also a horn which can be used if required.
Q. What is the Luas Passenger Charter?
A. The Luas Passenger Charter is our commitment to Time, Comfort, Safety, Access, Information and the value we see in listening to you our customers.
Q. How many stops are on Luas Red and Green Lines?
A. Red Line running from Tallaght to Connolly has twenty three stops with two Park & Ride facilities, one at Red Cow and the other beside Tallaght Luas Terminus Stop, at the new Tallaght Cross development. Luas Green Line running from Sandyford to St. Stephen’s Green has thirteen stops with two Park & Ride facilities at Stillorgan and Balally. Parking for disabled users is free of charge at all Luas Park & Ride facilities.
Q. Are Luas Stops designed to be Accessible?
A. Most Luas Stops are accessible from street level with gradual ramps from the street to the platform providing this access. However, on raised structure Luas is accessible by purpose built and designed lifts.
The following Luas Stops on both Green and Red Lines are accessible by lift:
- Kilmacud has lifts on each platform
- Balally has lifts on each platform
- Dundrum has a new lift which opened in December 2008
- Ranelagh has one lift only on the outbound platform side
- Charlemont has one lift only on the inbound platform side
- Connolly has one lift and an escalator adjacent to the Luas platforms plus an internal lift inside the main station entrance
Q. How is a Luas Platform designed?
A. Most stops have two 40m long by 3m wide platforms at each side of the track but there are two stops which feature single platforms between the tracks located at Harcourt on the Green Line and Busaras on the Red Line and one stop with an additional third platform at Heuston (these are referred to as Island type).
Q. What is the design specification of the ramps on either side of the platform?
A. The platforms are raised 280mm above the track and are accessed by short 5m ramps located at one or both ends of the platforms. This allows you to cross the track. Some ramps feature an adjacent handrail where required
Q. Where is it safe to cross the Luas track?
A. Normal rules of the road apply when crossing a Luas Line. Always look both ways and listen for on-coming Luas in both directions. Remember to always use the designated crossing point to cross the track. The surfacing is smooth & flush eliminating trip hazards and includes colour contrasting tactile paving which warns of particular hazards.
Q. What kinds of tactile surface paving has RPA used in its stop design for Luas?
A. Tactile surfacing types used on Luas Stops and what they mean:
- Lozenge shaped paving, in a charcoal shade for colour contrast, located 400mm from the edge of the platform running parallel to and along the full length of the platform informs passengers they are approaching the platform edge.
- Corduroy or striped shaped paving, in charcoal for colour contrast is used to highlight the top or bottom of a staircase, landing or lower end of a ramp.
- Blister or dot shaped paving, in charcoal or red for colour contrast, located at a crossing point of a road or track crossing area indicates a signalled crossing point
- A 75mm wide White Line runs along the edge of the platform to highlight the edge
Q. Is there CCTV on Luas?
A. All stops, trams and park and ride facilities have CCTV coverage.
Q. Is there a Public Announcement System for Luas?
A. All platforms have a full public address system allowing the control room staff to make announcements to some or all stops. Pre-recorded messages are also made from time to time
Q. In the event of an Emergency, how can I get help?
A. On every platform there are emergency help points which are placed at the ends of the shelters next to the Ticket Machines. At some stops they are free standing and in the same location. They can be identified by the large red button housed in a blue coloured plate and have the words “SOS Emergency Help Point” in yellow text written on them. Pressing the button activates a call to the Central Control Room and also operates the CCTV which immediately focuses on the activated help point. The help point contains an induction loop for the assistance of those with suitable hearing aids. A green light shows a call is in progress. Communication is two way and the CCR staff will provide any assistance required. Customer services officers, Garda or emergency services can be contacted if required
Q. Where/What is the Passenger Information Display?
A. The Passenger Information Displays(PIDs) are located in the circular advertising drum located on most stops. Some locations do not have a drum and so have a free standing PID instead. The display is made up of three lines of text informing passengers of the anticipated arrival times and destinations of the next three trams from that platform. The display can also be used to provide information about service disruptions or other information. Check the passenger information displays regularly for the latest information.
Q. Are there Stop location signs on Luas Stops?
A. Large signs display the name of each stop prominently. The signs also have a coloured “flag” which identifies the particular line they are on.
Q. What are those strange old parking metre style poles on the stops with the bright yellow front?
A. SmartCard Validators are located on all platforms and allow users of the Luas SmartCard to “Tag On and Tag Off”. For more information on Luas SmartCard click here.
Q. What comprises a Stop Shelter?
A. Steel and glass shelters are located on most stops. These house the Ticket Machines and Emergency Help Point as well as providing seating.
Q. What separates some Luas Stops from near by roads?
A. Many stops feature a balustrade to separate them from adjoining areas or adjacent roadways but some are integrated into the surrounding footpath or landscape.
Q. What is the purpose of the notice board on each Luas Stop?
A. All Luas stops have a Notice Board either mounted on the shelter or free standing. This poster contains a location route map showing key local features and has information regarding fares and ticket sales offices. These notice boards are updated regularly with new information.