Image of two people moving through an airport. The person on the right is using a wheelchair and the person on the left is walking with a suitcase.

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.

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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.

Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002

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.

Reform of the Transport Standards

2022 Review of the Transport Standards

The 2022 Review of the Transport Standards Final Report and Government response was published on 28 November 2024.

2022 Review of the Transport Standards

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.

Aviation accessibility

People with disability and Connected and Automated Vehicles

The department has partnered with La Trobe's Centre for Technology Infusion and iMOVE Cooperative Research Centre to develop guidance materials for developers of Connected and Automated Vehicles and operators and providers of public transport to ensure people with disability are considered in the design and implementation of this technology.

People with disability and Connected and Automated Vehicles