Around one in five Australians have disability. Access to public transport is critical for people with disability to participate fully in community life and the economy. Many use public transport to take them to work or study, connect them to family, friends and the community, or help them access services, such as healthcare.

What are the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 (Transport Standards)?

The Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 (Transport Standards) are formulated by the Attorney-General under subsection 31 (1) of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (the DDA). The Transport Standards seek to remove discrimination for people with disability in relation to public transport services to provide equality and independence.

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The Transport Standards apply to train, tram, bus and coach, ferry, taxi and aviation services and are designed to provide certainty to providers and operators of public transport services and infrastructure about their responsibilities under the DDA.

The Transport Standards require all of Australia"s public transport networks and associated infrastructure to be fully accessible by the end of 2022 (with the exception of trains and trams, which have until the end of 2032).

Reform of the Transport Standards

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications and the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads are leading a process to reform the Transport Standards to ensure they remain efficient and effective, are fit for purpose and meet the current needs of Australian society.

For more information about the reform process see Reform of the Transport Standards.

Have your say

Between 12 February 2021 and 23 April 2021, the Department sought feedback on 16 areas of reform, as well as amendments to references of the Australian Standards, for The Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002. The reforms aim to improve public transport accessibility for people with disability.

Following the Consultation process, the Department will begin preparing a Decision Regulation Impact Statement based on feedback received. This Decision Regulation Impact Statement will be considered by Transport Ministers in late 2021.

To find more information about the consultation process, visit the have your say page.

Reviews of the Transport Standards

The Transport Standards requires the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, in consultation with the Attorney-General, to review the efficiency and effectiveness of the Transport Standards within 5 years of them taking effect with subsequent reviews to be undertaken every 5 years.

For more information about the reviews process, see Reviews of the Transport Standards.

Connected and Automated Vehicles

In 2021, the Department partnered with the LaTrobe University and the iMOVE Cooperative Research Centre to investigate how connected and automated vehicles fit within current regulations and what is needed to ensure whole journey accessibility for people with disability.

To find out more about the project or to view the report, see People with Disability and Connected and Automated Vehicles.

Further information

For further information on the Transport Standards, please contact the Secretariat mailbox at: DisabilityTransport@infrastructure.gov.au