2022 Review of the disability standards for accessible public transport: final report
This report presents the findings of the fourth statutory review (2022 Review) of the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 (Transport Standards). The Transport Standards detail the obligations of public transport providers and operators to make their services accessible and fulfil their obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) (DDA). The Transport Standards apply to train, tram, bus and coach, ferry, taxi and aviation services.
The report provides an assessment of the efficiency and effectiveness of the Transport Standards in removing public transport discrimination against people with disability over the five-year period to December 2022 based on extensive consultation with stakeholders. The review considered the views and experiences of more than 1,000 respondents in addition to carers and family members, disability service providers and advocacy groups, government departments, public transport providers and operators and access consultants.
Findings
- There is some confusion, conflict and lack of consistency between the Transport Standards and other related standards.
- Concerns were raised about exemption of certain conveyances from the Transport Standards.
- Some debate exists around the use of prescriptive standards.
- Accessibility depends upon a whole of journey approach.
Opportunities
- The Transport Standards, Guidelines and Whole Journey Guide are not widely known or understood.
- A lack of mechanisms for measuring and enforcing compliance is a significant barrier to removing discrimination from public transport.
- The Transport Standards, Guidelines and Whole Journey Guide have not kept pace with change.
- The Transport Standards alone do not enable a fully accessible ‘whole of journey’.
- There are some specific aspects of public transport that pose particular accessibility challenges.
- Engagement of people with disability in the design and implementation of public transport leads to better accessibility outcomes.
This report is accompanied by a summary report and an easy English version.
