Policy planning and partnerships

Policy, planning and partnerships is about how we work with government, industry and community partners to make the network better, implement Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 (Transport Standards), and be Games ready for 2032. It includes how we co-design with people with disability to develop inclusive policy and planning to achieve smooth end-to end journeys.

What you have told us

"To ensure better transport in the future, make sure that whatever your project is, it uses co-design process. Use people with disability at the early stages of design to help ensure it is accessible."

Creating an accessible passenger transport network needs inclusive policies that address the needs of all people, particularly those with disability. This is done by partnering with industry, local government, and disability advocates to deliver seamless, reliable, and accessible whole-of-journey solutions.

Key focuses include providing affordable transport to essential services like hospitals and shopping centres.

It’s also important to improve active transport links (like footpaths) and address challenges faced in regional areas, such as limited services and long distances to transport hubs.

Collecting feedback and ensuring it is transparently considered is vital for building community trust and improving services.

What we are doing

Embedding co-design processes

We embed accessibility into both strategic planning and day-to-day operations. We do this by working collaboratively and using co-design in our policies and projects. This reflects our commitment to human rights, legal obligations and what our stakeholders expect.

Here’s how we incorporate co-design insights from people with disability in our policies, planning and partnerships:

TMR Accessibility Reference Group (TMR ARG)

The TMR ARG was set up more than 10 years ago. It makes sure the voices of people with disability are heard and included in Queensland passenger transport network planning and design. It meets up to five times each year, bringing together people from the transport industry, local government, and the disability sector.

The group provides key insights into strategic plans and policies, and passenger transport projects like the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line.

Passenger Rollingstock Accessibility Project Working Group

The Passenger Rollingstock Accessibility Project Working Group provides expert advice on train accessibility, including the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program. Guided by an accessibility advisor, the program will deliver 65 new six-car passenger trains that reflect recommendations from the New Generation Rollingstock Commission of Inquiry.

The group helped shape the train design by reviewing an early mock-up, suggesting improvements, and validating a high-fidelity version. Their input directly influenced the final design, making it the most accessible and functional train for Queensland passengers.

Zero Emissions Buses Accessibility Working Group

The Zero Emissions Buses Accessibility Working Group gave key insights including customer experience and expectations for the project. This was done through hands-on sessions targeting bus design and features. The group’s feedback influenced the zero emissions bus design and will be used as a reference for future procurement.

Improving connections to passenger transport

Not everyone can access the nearest bus stop or train station, because of distance or how useable the pathways are. We collaborate with local governments and other asset owners to investigate and deliver improvements through precinct planning and implementing complementary services.

Here’s how we improve connections to passenger transport in our policies, planning and partnerships:

On demand transport

On demand transport (ODT) is a flexible, shared, pre-booked passenger transport service. The smaller fleet size and localised service provides a unique and distinct passenger transport planning and network solution.

All ODT vehicles are fully accessible and have a flexible routing system that lets them travel closer to customers’ homes. ODT connects people to the wider passenger transport network, as well as shopping and healthcare facilities.

Right now, ODT is only available in certain parts of the Gold Coast, Logan, Toowoomba, Mount Tamborine, Ipswich and Hervey Bay. There will be future trials in Yarrabilba and Bribie Island.

Learn more about on demand transport services on the Translink website. 

Active transport

Active transport means walking, bike riding, scooting or other physically active ways of travelling that people can do alone or combined with passenger transport. When we talk about walking, we also include jogging, running, and moving with the help of a mobility device (such as a wheelchair, mobility cane or a walking frame).

We provide local government grants for councils to deliver accessible paths and facilities for people walking and riding bikes in priority areas. We understand that having accessible pathways in good repair, with shade, seating, lighting and drinking stations makes it easier for people to access their nearest bus stop or transport hub.

We also piloted an Inclusive Mapping pilot project at five locations across the state. This project gained data on the needs of people with disability who use walking infrastructure such as footpaths and pedestrian crossings. Data was collected by wheelchair users equipped with devices moving within the built environment to assess the type of footpath surface and its condition, the effort needed to push, footpath hazards and barriers, and the number of kerb ramps.

The data helps identify preferred walking routes and supports planning for upgrades that make walking precincts more accessible and better connected to passenger transport and other key destinations.

Learn more about our active transport initiatives.

The Wave

The Wave will provide a new train line from Beerwah to Birtinya, that connects with a metro-style service for travel to the Sunshine Coast Airport.

This project is more than just building stations. It's about creating accessible community precincts for everyone to enjoy. That’s why we are embedding a co-design process.

We assessed key pedestrian routes leading to the stations. Feedback through community consultation about walking precincts told us we need to do a range of footpath upgrades, create new paths, and upgrade crossings, as well as generally expand the walking and cycling network. We have incorporated this feedback into our planning.

Learn more about The Wave.

Supporting affordable fares and accessible ticketing options

The introduction of 50 cent fares for Translink buses, train (excluding Airtrain), tram, ferry and on demand services, makes travel more affordable for people who previously received concessions. Eligible people can still access free travel, ensuring transport services remain accessible for all.

Accessible ticketing options for eligible people with disability include:

• Translink Access Pass
• Vision Impairment Travel Pass
• go access Travel Trainer card
• Totally and Permanently Incapacitated/Extreme Disablement Adjustment Veteran Travel card.

Learn more about accessible ticketing options on the Translink website. 

Working with partners to deliver accessible outcomes

We work with a wide range of stakeholders and delivery partners to plan, develop and deliver accessible passenger transport outcomes. This includes academic, industry, government and community partnerships.

Disability Standards for Accessible Passenger Transport 2002 (Transport Standards)

The Transport Standards set the minimum design standards for operators and providers of public transport. Between 2021 and 2023, the Commonwealth undertook the largest review of the Transport Standards in 20 years through a public consultation process.

As part of this reform process, we submitted key insights to the Commonwealth, including funding a disability sector-led response. The Commonwealth are currently drafting reforms to the Transport Standards. We will continue to work with industry and government partners to deliver accessibility outcomes from these reforms.

Learn more about the Transport Standards.

Specialist School Transport

In Queensland, the Specialist School Transport (SST) for students with disability is being delivered under in-kind National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) arrangements.

The final report of the Independent NDIS Review, released in December 2023, recommended removing SST from the NDIS and returning it back to states and territories, if agreement can be reached on national benchmarks for SST service quality and access.

We continue to work with relevant Queensland Government agencies, other states and territories, and the Commonwealth Government to develop a national SST solution, while ensuring the continuity of services in Queensland.

Learn more about Specialist School Transport.

What we will do next

1. Engage with people with disability and key partners through passenger transport accessibility reference groups on policy, planning, information and delivery projects. This includes user testing, trials, surveys, technical consultation and co-design activities.
2. Continue to trial on demand transport and other flexible service models to support flexible and accessible local transport options, including monitoring features and useability of the service.
3. Support accessible ticketing options by providing passenger transport passes for eligible people with disability.
4. Engage with industry, government and community partners to ensure planning for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games delivers inclusive and accessible passenger transport outcomes.
5. Work with Queensland Government agencies and service providers to provide SST for eligible state school students with disability.