The Federal Government is seeking feedback on legislative reforms that will improve public transport accessibility for people with disability.
The government is updating the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 to improve accessibility and support independent travel, meaning travellers can plan and undertake their journeys with a greater level of certainty.
This is the first major reform to the Transport Standards since they were introduced over 20 years ago. These reforms include:
- Improving accessibility at stops and stations, making it easier to get on and off
- Making it easier to find and understand information to plan your trip
- Ensuring public transport staff understand their roles and responsibilities in assisting people with disability
- Improving safety and amenity onboard public transport services
Public consultation is now open on an exposure draft of the amending legislation and supporting guidelines to implement these reforms. Consultation is open until 20 November 2025.
Feedback will ensure the amendments to the Transport Standards are easy to understand and reflect the agreed reform package.
This builds on the consultation undertaken with stakeholders, including people with disability, throughout earlier stages of the reform process – to ensure they were informed by lived experience and industry insights.
This feedback will be considered when finalising the updated Transport Standards and supporting guidelines. Once finalised, the updated legislation will be tabled in parliament and then the Transport Standards will take effect.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said that she looks forward to seeing these reforms implemented to further remove discrimination against people with disability when it comes to accessing public transport.
“The Federal Government is committed to improving the accessibility and ease of travel for those with a disability,” King said.
“These updated standards will mean people will get information in accessible formats meaning they can plan and undertake their journeys with a greater level of certainty.”
Further information on ways to have your say is available at: www.infrastructure.gov.au/transport-standards-reform
