Accessible public transport
Access to public transport is crucial to the ability of people with disability and their families and carers, to participate fully in community life. The Commonwealth Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002* (the standards) were developed to make public transport more accessible. The standards also benefit many older Australians and families with infants in prams who use public transport services.
The Commonwealth
Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA)* seeks to eliminate discrimination against people with disability. The standards provide transport operators and providers with certainty about their obligations under the DDA. Compliance with the relevant requirements will provide transport operators with protection from a complaint of unlawful discrimination.
What do the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport do?
The standards establish minimum accessibility requirements to be met by providers and operators of public transport conveyances, infrastructure and premises. The standards take into account the range of disability covered by the DDA and apply to most public transport.
The standards set out requirements in relation to issues including:
- access paths
- manoeuvring areas
- ramps
- boarding devices
- allocated spaces
- handrails
- doorways
- controls
- symbols
- signs
- the payment of fares and the provision of information.
All conveyances, premises and infrastructure brought into use for public transport after the commencement of the standards must comply with the standards. A compliance timetable allows between 5 to 30 years for existing facilities to be made compliant.
The Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport Guidelines 2004 (No 3) accompany the standards. The aim of the guidelines is to assist in understanding and interpreting the standards. Information on the standards and guidelines is available at the Australian Government's Attorney-Generals' Department*.
For more general information and to assist transport providers with compliance requirements of the standards, please refer to the following publications:
Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Guide
The Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Guide (PDF, 276 KB) has been developed to assist users of wheelchair accessible taxis to better understand their rights and responsibilities when using the services. For more information please contact us on 13 23 80b.
Guide, hearing and assistance dogs
The Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dogs Act 2009 came into effect on 1 July 2009.
The legislation ensures that every person who relies on a guide, hearing or assistance dog has the same access rights as others to public places and public passenger vehicles. This includes cafes, restaurants, pubs, clubs, sports venues, taxis and buses.
Mobility aids
Mobility aids, such as wheelchairs and mobility scooters are an essential part of daily life for many seniors and people with a disability. Not only do they improve access to everyday services, but they can also greatly enhance an individual's quality of life.
Contact us
For further information please contact the Public Transport Policy Branch on ptaccessible@tmr.qld.gov.au
Public Transport Policy Branch
Department of Transport and Main Roads
Level 6, 420 George Street
Brisbane, Queensland 4000
Post:
Department of Transport and Main Roads
PO Box 673
Fortitude Valley, Queensland 4006
Phone: +61 7 3146 4557z
Email: ptaccessible@tmr.qld.gov.au
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bOperates Monday to Friday 8am-5pm EST (GMT +10) excluding public holidays. Local call charge in Australia. Higher rates apply from mobile phones and payphones. For international callers phone +61 7 3834 2011 this service operates Monday to Friday 8.30am-5pm EST (GMT +10) excluding public holidays.
zLocal call — Higher rates may apply outside local area or from mobile phones.
