In Australia, public transport operators and providers are required to make their services accessible for people with disability. These requirements are outlined in the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 (Transport Standards). The Transport Standards are developed under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992.

On 13 October 2026, the Transport Standards were updated. The reforms introduce new requirements to improve accessibility across the whole public transport journey.

Every five years, the Australian Government must review the efficiency and effectiveness of the Transport Standards.

Every five years, the Australian Government must review the efficiency and effectiveness of the Transport Standards. 
Reviews of the Transport Standards.

The Australian Government is also creating new aviation disability standards, which will help address air travel barriers faced by people with disability.

Rideshare and taxi services are an important component of Australia's public transport system. The department is preparing an impact analysis to consider potential reforms to improve the accessibility of rideshare and taxi services.

The Australian Government has developed a compliance reporting framework to assist operators and providers to develop and improve their data collection and reporting processes.

The department has partnered with La Trobe's Centre for Technology Infusion and iMOVE Cooperative Research Centre to develop guidance materials for developers of Connected and Automated Vehicles and operators and providers of public transport to ensure people with disability are considered in the design and implementation of this technology.

Equivalent access is a process through which an operator or provider is allowed to vary the equipment or facilities they provide to ensure their service is accessible for people with disability.

The Whole Journey Guide contains good practice guidance to assist operators and providers to making their services accessible for people with disability. It aims to encourage planners, builders, operators and providers of public transport to think beyond compliance with the Transport Standards and instead consider people's accessibility needs across their whole transport journey.