New rules to make public transport more accessible start today, as part of the Australian Government's work to remove discrimination against people with disability.
The changes will improve the safety and accessibility of public transport for people with disability across the whole journey.
This includes new requirements for staff training and information sharing to better meet the needs of people with different types of disability.
The reforms also establish new and improved design requirements for public transport conveyances, buildings and infrastructure so they are safe and easy to use.
These significant reforms to the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 were developed in consultation with people with disability, the public transport industry and state, territory and local governments.
Bus, tram, train, light rail, ferry, taxi and aviation operators and providers will be expected to implement these new requirements on their services. Some of the new obligations must be implemented within set 5- or 10-year timeframes, while other changes will be required when they substantially upgrade or purchase new assets.
There is updated guidance material in the Transport Standards Guidelines to assist operators and providers to understand and effectively implement these changes.
