Submission on Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport

ALGA has made a submission on the Exposure Draft of the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport Amendment 2025. ALGA’s submission supports improving public transport accessibility for people with disability, while highlighting significant financial and operational impacts on local government.

The submission calls for comprehensive implementation support including funding assistance, practical guidance, tailored training, and ongoing technical support to help councils meet new requirements for bus stops, passenger loading zones, taxi ranks, and public parking areas.

Key concerns include the need for greater clarity in transitional provisions, practical prioritisation frameworks for councils managing thousands of affected sites, and recognition that the 10-year transition period requires sustained funding support from other levels of government.

The submission also emphasises that while all Australian councils will be affected, impacts will vary considerably, requiring flexible implementation approaches that recognise the diversity of local government contexts.

If you would like to learn more about the reforms to the Transport Standards, you can find information on the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts website.