Overview
The federal government has registered the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport Amendment 2026 (reference F2026L01002). The amendment came into force on 30 July 2026. It is made under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and is administered by the Attorney-General's Department.
What the amendment covers
The amendment updates the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 across 34 schedules. The schedules cover physical infrastructure and operational matters, including:
- Access paths, ramps, lifts, stairs, and surfaces
- Toilets, doorways, and handrails
- Boarding arrangements
- Information provision and signage
- Alarms and hearing augmentation systems
- Staff training to prevent disability discrimination
- Booked services
Transitional provisions
Schedule 34 contains application and transitional provisions. The source states that some requirements may phase in over time, but does not specify the details of those transitional arrangements. The full amendment text at https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L01002 contains the specific details.
Key actions
- Operators of public transport vehicles or infrastructure - including buses, ferries, trains, taxis, and hire cars - can download the full amendment text and explanatory statement at https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L01002 to identify which of the 34 schedules apply to their operations.
- Schedule 34 (Application and Transitional Provisions) sets out whether any phased compliance dates apply to specific vehicles or infrastructure.
- Providers of booked transport services (covered under Schedule 28) and food and drink services on transport (Schedule 29) can review those specific schedules for updated obligations.
- Transport employers can review Schedule 32, which covers training requirements to prevent disability discrimination, as a new or updated obligation under the amended standards.
This is a plain-English summary for information only, not legal or compliance advice. Always check the official source or consult a qualified professional.