Vehicles

The passenger transport network includes a range of vehicle types including trains, buses, ferries and trams as well as taxis, booked hire and ODT vehicles.

There are obvious differences between the modes, but also differences between vehicle types and features within a fleet.

Vehicle accessibility and the safety of customers on board are key issues. The design of a vehicle and its features shapes how customers travel and experience their journey. Getting in and out or on and off the vehicle, ride-quality, and onboard visual, audio and tactile information, all contribute to a customer’s experience.

Technology is also important in the design and features of new vehicles, as well as in retrofitting or upgrading existing vehicles.

Understanding the needs and experiences of customers and how these can be balanced is an important part of vehicle design and passenger transport operation.

What you have told us

"The screens on the buses don't show you what your next stop is going to be or the route. I can't use my mobile on the bus to watch the journey because I get motion sickness.”

The passenger transport experience can vary significantly depending on the vehicle type and customer needs.

Ferry and tram experiences are often very positive because having the same vehicle type and infrastructure provides a consistent and reliable experience.

Trains can also be a positive experience, depending on the service and length of travel time. Buses present the most challenges for people with disability, including overcrowding and safety onboard, as well as challenges getting on and off the bus and accessing a seat.

The step gap on trains and buses is an ongoing challenge, particularly for those in wheelchairs, mobility devices, and people with restricted mobility. The need to manually deploy ramps can also impact customer experience, particularly if staff are not available, or friendly and accommodating. Not having barriers or handrails on boarding ramps is also a challenge for customers.

People want to travel independently, without having to ask for assistance. This promotes dignity and true inclusivity.

Onboard, key aspects of vehicle design and operation include secure wheelchair restraints and orientation, promotion of safety components, and training of staff and bus drivers in how to use them. Anti-slip floors and tactile information are also important.

The sensory environment in a vehicle can benefit or challenge different customers. Customers often say audio announcements, lighting and visual display boards in trains help them to understand their journey. However, people with sensory disability say these same features can be overwhelming and deter travel. People have also asked for display screens and audio announcements on buses, to help them better understand their journey.

Good vehicle design needs to consider and balance a range of sensory needs.

What we are doing

Embedding accessible vehicle design

We are undertaking a range of projects that will see passenger transport vehicle design and onboard features evolve and develop to directly support accessibility.

Here’s how we are embedding accessible vehicle design:

Queensland Train Manufacturing Program vehicles

The Queensland Train Manufacturing Program (QTMP) will deliver 65 six-car passenger trains. They are expected to be in service for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.

We have incorporated the QTMP project working group's functional design advice, including:

• unisex accessible toilet module
• seating and allocated spaces
• onboard vehicle signage (including wording and braille)
• grab/handrails
• aisle width and movement corridors
• accessible buttons and controls
• information and lighting
• automated ramps to support safe and independent boarding and exiting between the platform and train

Learn more about the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program.

“Some buses and trains do not have a sufficiently anti slip floor surface, so when I am travelling (particularly on buses), my wheelchair slides around a lot. A short attachment strap or clip attached to the wall of the buses and trains would help me a lot, since I’m not strong enough to hang on to the handrail when my wheelchair starts sliding around.”

Buses, including zero emissions and hydrogen

Improving the design and accessibility of low floor buses across Queensland is a key priority. New low floor bus designs include enhanced accessibility features that go beyond minimum legal requirements. These improvements reflect feedback from customers and advocacy groups, and support more accessible transport outcomes.

Accessibility features are being progressively integrated into low floor bus upgrade programs, new vehicle designs and vehicle specifications. They include:

• two wheelchair spot allocations
• signage
• wheelchair floor mats
• yellow step edging
• yellow hand poles and hanger straps
• priority seating and seat design
• improved visual cues and accessible entry features at doors.

Additional accessibility features for hydrogen buses (currently two in operation):

• acoustic vehicles alerting system (AVAS)
• automated wheelchair ramp
• hearing aid loop and passenger information systems, including external speakers at doors.

What we will do next

1. Promote community awareness about new accessible vehicle design features, including publishing Queensland Train Manufacturing Program high-fidelity mock up and disability sector engagement video, to build customer confidence.
2. Deliver new trains designed to meet the Transport Standards to increase the accessible fleet and improve reliability across the network.
3. Upgrade existing low floor urban and low floor regional buses to meet Transport Standards to increase fleet accessibility and enhance service dependability.