Access to public transport enables Australians to work or study, visit family and friends, and access critical services such as healthcare. However, one in six people aged 15 years and over with disability have difficulty using public transport. Without equitable access to public transport, discrimination can arise.
Disability Transport Standards from Department of Infrastructure on Vimeo.
What are the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 (Transport Standards)?
In Australia, public transport operators and providers are required to make their services accessible for people with disability. This is managed through the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 (Transport Standards). The Transport Standards are developed under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992.
- Further information is available on our Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 page.
Aviation White Paper – delivering an accessible aviation sector that protects the rights of people with disability
On 26 August 2024, the Australian Government released the Aviation White Paper. The White Paper sets out the Government’s vision for Australia’s aviation sector towards 2050 to ensure it remains safe, competitive, productive and sustainable. This includes initiatives to deliver an accessible aviation sector that protects the rights of people with disability.
- Further information is available on the Aviation White Paper webpage.
Reform of the Transport Standards
On 20 March 2024, the Australian Government announced that it is reforming the Transport Standards.
The reforms aim to improve public transport accessibility and remove discrimination against people with disability. The reforms were developed in collaboration with people with disability, the public transport industry and state and territory governments.
- Further information about reform areas and an overview of public consultation activities is available on the Reform of the Transport Standards page.
2022 Review of the Transport Standards
A separate review is underway to assess whether the Transport Standards are effectively removing discrimination against people with disability on public transport services.
The 2022 Review of the Transport Standards discussion paper was publicly released for consultation on 22 December 2022. Public consultation was open until 30 June 2023. A Government approvals process is underway to finalise the 2022 Review.
- Further information, including the discussion paper and translations, is available on the 2022 Review of the Transport Standards page.
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