Breakdown reports released to the Weekly by train operator Metro show there were 220 "unplanned outages" at Laverton station and 57 at Footscray last year.

Neither the $93million Laverton station, opened in July 2010, nor the $14.7million footbridge at Footscray station has ramp access to the platforms, so if lifts break down disabled and elderly passengers or parents with infants have to negotiate the stairs.

Metro spokesman Daniel Hoare said vandalism was by far the most common cause of lift faults at the two stations.

"Despite extensive CCTV at Laverton, groups of vandals regularly kick the doors of the lifts and break equipment on the control panels.

"Police are aware of the ongoing vandalism of lifts there."

In response to concerns raised by Greens MP Colleen Hartland, Transport Minister Terry Mulder acknowledged there was a problem at Laverton but said he "was not aware of any concerns at Footscray station".

Ms Hartland wrote: "The consequence is that commuters with prams, with a disability, and those who are elderly often cannot access the platform and therefore travel.

"I am providing this information to ensure you are aware that there are significant concerns with access at Footscray train station."

Ms Hartland wrote to Attorney-General Robert Clarke in October, asking for an assessment on how the Laverton and Footscray stations satisfied disability standards and requirements for accessible public transport.

Transport Department spokesman David Stockman said it was aware of concerns about the Laverton elevators.

"[We are] investigating issues with elevators at Laverton railway station and if it is determined that there are issues we'll develop solutions to ensure that access for all people is maintained."

A Department of Transport spokeswoman said it was working with Metro, VicTrack and local police to improve security in the lifts at Laverton and Footscray stations, and to ensure swift response by repair teams wherever possible when the lifts require maintenance.