But does it work?

Measuring similar systems success 

In October 2009 the Land Transport Authority Singapore (LTA) introduced a system called the Green Man Plus. This system allowed elderly people over 60 and disabled pedestrians between 3-13 seconds increased time at various crossing intersections.  Those who applied were able to swipe their special version of the LTA card (similar to the Opal card) at any Green  Man Plus intersections. The program began with five trial systems and the system allowed pedestrians additional walking time subject to the varied size of the intersection.

Since 2009 there are currently 250 Green Man Plus intersections in place across the city. By the end of 2015 Singapore plans to have 495 in operation.

The system received such positive feedback and results that there are calls to expand across the city even further.

#TAPANDINCREASETHEGAP works similarly to the current Singapore system. The case of improved senior safety and positive community engagement with the system provides evidence for the beneficial nature of the Senior Step Card

WATCH below : Singapore Green Man Plus

What do you think of the system in Singapore? Comment below

How does it work?

The Senior Step Card works using a tap and walk system. Australians aged over 65 will be able to apply for a special edition of the Opal travel card used for buses and trains . Using this card they will be able to access the regular system of the Opal card as well as increased green man walking time at various traffic intersections in New South Wales. By the beginning of 2016 Opal cards will be completely implemented across New South Wales and a monitory requirements of all travellers. The #TAPANDINCREASETHEGAP program will run in conjunction with the opal card.

The program trial will run at seven intersections, all various lengths and traffic flow. We will measure the improvement of the system on senior safety and continue to increase the number of systems running across the state. Our plan is the have over 50 Senior Step intersections by the end of 2017, and up to 300 across New South Wales by 2020.

What will be considered when choosing Step Card locations?

• Managing the impact of traffic
• Aged population in areas
• Surrounding vaccinates like Retirement facilities, Hospitals and Aged care
• Incidents of accidents
• Congested pedestrian and motor areas

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Click below to purchase the Opal card

https://www.opal.com.au/en/where-can-i-use-it/find-an-opal-card-retailer/

Do you think the current Opal card system is useful?

If you are over 60 would you apply for a special Opal card- the Senior Step Card?

Senior Step Card 2016

#TAPANDINCREASETHEGAP aims to improve the safety of elderly pedestrians at crossing lights across New South Wales. Our objective is to implement a new system called the Senior Step Card which would allowed older Australians up to 10 seconds additional green man walking time at various intersection lights across the state.

With an ageing and increasing population and a rise in the number of motorists, it is essential that current systems are improved and enhanced to ensure increase safety and wellbeing of pedestrians and motorists. The most preferred mode of transport for older adults besides driving  (NSW GOV Ageing Strategy) and as our nations population increases more older Australians will be exposed to traffic as pedestrians and the risk of vehicle collisions rises.

Of the 47 pedestrians killed in New South Wales this year, those aged over 60 account for nearly 35% of the death toll(Roads Safety NSW). With the number of Australian people aged 65 to 84 said to double by 2050 and the number of people 84+ to quadruple (Australian Bureau of Statistics) , the issue of safe senior mobility needs to be addressed using the #TAPANDINCREASETHEGAP initiative. The current intersection traffic systems operating across New South Wales do not cater effectively for the older population as they have difficultly crossing in the allocated times. The result is aged Australians are more likely to suffer injuries and accidents than younger pedestrians.

Aged adults may also suffer from decreased physical and mental conditions. These may include sensory impairments, cognitive degeneration, physical mobility and chronic medical conditionals. These are contributing factors that place older pedestrians at greater risk to danger and harm.

Have your say, comment below and tell us if you think the current system needs improvement. 

Join the cause #TAPANDINCREASETHEGAP

‪Join in and follow the #‎TAPANDINCREASETHEGAP‬ initiative!

The NSW community is concerned with the safety of our increasing ageing population and number of senior casualties at the hands of pedestrian incidents. The Senior Step Card program includes the introduction of a Tap and Walk system which
includes the allocation of a tap card to Australians over 65. The Senior Step Card works like this : They are issued a card in conjunction with their opal travel card and they can choose to use it at certain ‘problem’ traffic intersection lights if they feel they need more time. They will be able to tap the card on the light button and the green man would turn to blue indicating to drivers and other pedestrians that a senior(s) is crossing. This allows the seniors up to 10 additional seconds to cross the road.

Seniors account for one of the highest groups of pedestrian fatalities in NSW and are one of the most vulnerable groups in the community susceptible to injuries and accidents. Older pedestrians are also at risk of suffering from vision impairment, physical and mental impairments.

#TapandIncreasetheGap is a simple solution to an important social issue. With an increasing and ageing population it is vital that NSW take important and necessary measures to accommodate for the need for increased senior safety and wellbeing.

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