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.
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.
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
The 2022 Review of the Transport Standards Final Report and Government response was published on 28 November 2024.
- Further information about the 2022 Review, including the Final Report and translations, is available on the 2022 Review of the Transport Standards page.
Aviation Accessibility
Through the Aviation White Paper, released in August 2024, the Australian Government committed to delivering an aviation sector that protects the rights of people with disability. This includes creating a new aviation-specific disability standards as schedule to the Transport Standards.
For more information visit the Aviation Accessibility page.
Contact us
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