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.
2022 Review of the Transport Standards
A 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. The 2022 Review final report will be provided to the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government and the Attorney-General in late-2023.
- Further information, including the discussion paper and translations, is available on the 2022 Review of the Transport Standards page.
Reform of the Transport Standards
During 2021 and 2022, the Australian Government held public consultations to investigate the impacts, costs and benefits associated of potential reforms to the Transport Standards.
Infrastructure and Transport Ministers considered the package of reforms on 9 June 2023. The reforms will now proceed to an Australian Government approval process. Details of the reforms and implementation arrangements will be made publicly available following this process.
- Further information about reform areas and an overview of public consultation activities is available on the Reform of the Transport Standards page.
Contact us
For more information, please get in touch: