Public Transport Access Reports
Accessible Public Transport
Introduction
Everyone in the community has the right to use public transport. Access to public transport is crucial for people with a disability, their families and carers, to participate fully in community life. In addition to the general requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act, transport operators and providers must also comply with the requirements of the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 (DSAPT or Transport Standards).
Whilst the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) seeks to eliminate discrimination against people with disability as far as possible, the Transport Standards provide transport operators and providers with certainty about their specific obligations under the DDA. Compliance with the relevant requirements may help operators minimise the risk of complaints.
What do the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport do?
The Transport Standards establish minimum accessibility requirements to be met by providers and operators of public transport;
· Conveyances e.g. aircraft/bus/train
· Infrastructures e.g. boarding points/bus stop
· Premises e.g. bus depot/airport
The Transport Standards set out requirements in relation to factors such as access paths, manoeuvring areas, ramps and boarding devices, allocated spaces, handrails, doorways, controls, symbols and 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 Transport Standards must comply with the Standards. For all existing transport services and infrastructure, the Transport Standards outlines target dates for increased levels of compliance with full accessibility to be achieved by the end of 2032.
Introduction
Everyone in the community has the right to use public transport. Access to public transport is crucial for people with a disability, their families and carers, to participate fully in community life. In addition to the general requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act, transport operators and providers must also comply with the requirements of the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 (DSAPT or Transport Standards).
Whilst the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) seeks to eliminate discrimination against people with disability as far as possible, the Transport Standards provide transport operators and providers with certainty about their specific obligations under the DDA. Compliance with the relevant requirements may help operators minimise the risk of complaints.
What do the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport do?
The Transport Standards establish minimum accessibility requirements to be met by providers and operators of public transport;
· Conveyances e.g. aircraft/bus/train
· Infrastructures e.g. boarding points/bus stop
· Premises e.g. bus depot/airport
The Transport Standards set out requirements in relation to factors such as access paths, manoeuvring areas, ramps and boarding devices, allocated spaces, handrails, doorways, controls, symbols and 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 Transport Standards must comply with the Standards. For all existing transport services and infrastructure, the Transport Standards outlines target dates for increased levels of compliance with full accessibility to be achieved by the end of 2032.
An example of an alternative to an airbridge at Coolangatta airport, on the Gold Coast.
How might the transport standards affect you?
Between now and 2032, there are certain parts of the Transport Standards that must be met by vehicles operating as public transport, such as:
What happens if you don't comply?
How can Obvius Access support you?
We are specialists in accessible transport and can provide a range of services which are described below:
Access audits
We have extensive experience in conducting audits of transport premises in relation to accessibility. We have completed these for the purposes of upgrading existing transport premises as well as for providing recommendations on new transport facilities.
During this process we cover a range of topics which includes:
Guidelines and Reports
Obvius Access are also able to support with the creation of accessible guidelines for transport conveyances, infrastructures and premises. In line with the Transport Standards, we have produced design guidelines, operational recommendations, audit checklists and best practices for services, conveyances and the built environment.
We have provided consultation services regarding codesign and performance based outcomes in relation to accessible transport design and operations. Our consultants have also delivered access awareness training to transport departments of state government.
Lastly, Obvius Access have completed peer reviews for accessible transport documentation and provided comment on government guidelines intended for public use.
Next steps
If you would like to hear more about accessible transport and how we can help, please contact us on [email protected] or 1800 952 311.
Between now and 2032, there are certain parts of the Transport Standards that must be met by vehicles operating as public transport, such as:
- All new vehicles need to comply with the Transport Standards – this includes pre-owned vehicles that are new to your operation.
- All new public transport systems must comply with the Transport Standards.
What happens if you don't comply?
- The DDA makes it unlawful to discriminate either directly or indirectly against a person because of their disability. The DDA also makes it unlawful not to comply with the Transport Standards.
- If a person with a disability tries to access your services and cannot, because you do not comply with the Transport Standards, they can make a complaint to the Australian Human Rights Commission.
- The Australian Human Rights Commission will try to conciliate the complaint between the complainant and respondent (transport provider). This process may involve reviewing any exemptions that may be applicable to the transport provider or programs of works that may already be in place in accordance with the DSAPT milestones. If that is unsuccessful, the complainant may have recourse to the courts, and you may be ordered to pay damages and / or remedy the area of noncompliance.
How can Obvius Access support you?
We are specialists in accessible transport and can provide a range of services which are described below:
Access audits
We have extensive experience in conducting audits of transport premises in relation to accessibility. We have completed these for the purposes of upgrading existing transport premises as well as for providing recommendations on new transport facilities.
During this process we cover a range of topics which includes:
- A review of accessibility
- Advice on compliance with existing legislation
- Usability by people with disabilities
- If applicable, any necessary suggestions for corrective action.
Guidelines and Reports
Obvius Access are also able to support with the creation of accessible guidelines for transport conveyances, infrastructures and premises. In line with the Transport Standards, we have produced design guidelines, operational recommendations, audit checklists and best practices for services, conveyances and the built environment.
We have provided consultation services regarding codesign and performance based outcomes in relation to accessible transport design and operations. Our consultants have also delivered access awareness training to transport departments of state government.
Lastly, Obvius Access have completed peer reviews for accessible transport documentation and provided comment on government guidelines intended for public use.
Next steps
If you would like to hear more about accessible transport and how we can help, please contact us on [email protected] or 1800 952 311.
