Foldable e-bikes and e-scooters will still be permitted on trams and buses, because they can stop faster and evacuate passengers more easily in the case of a fire.
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Passengers will still be able to bring non-electric bicycles onto trains, provided they do not board the first door on the first carriage, which is reserved as a priority boarding area for people with mobility aids.
The proposed new rules – which are open to public consultation and slated to come into effect on September 30 this year – do not affect mobility scooters.
Other proposed changes to the state’s Conduct on Public Transport regulations include reducing the fine for a passenger putting their feet on a seat from 1.5 penalty units (currently $305) to 0.5 units ($102), to “align the offences and penalties with the harms”.
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However, passengers with mud on their shoes could run afoul of a new “soiling furniture” offence, which would carry a $305 fine.
Authorised Officers issued 50,814 fines to passengers for putting their feet on seats in the eight years between 2017 and 2024, according to a Regulatory Impact Statement on the proposed rule changes.
Rules would also be updated to require passengers to vacate a priority seating area when a wheelchair user boards their train, tram or bus via the closest door.
Currently, passengers are only required to vacate their seat if asked to do so, but the new rule “removes the onus on the wheelchair user to request access to the designated space, which can cause discomfort”.
The department said it is also considering whether to permit small children’s bicycles on trams and buses. They are banned under the current regulations, despite typically being the same size as a pram or folding bike.
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