Six online forums will be held this month as part of Commonwealth-led consultations to improve access to public transport for people with disability.
The federal Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, and Communications opened consultations on February 12 with the publication of the Reform of the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport: Consultation Regulation Impact Statement (Consultation RIS).
Sixteen initial areas of reform to the Transport Standards have been proposed, including mandatory staff training requirements, imposing minimum website accessibility standards, altering lift accessibility requirements, and introducing accessible passenger loading area design requirements.
Other recommended reforms include ensuring public transport information is available in multiple forms, and not just online, and investigating the need for clarity over tactile ground surface indicators.
The forums will be held over two weeks from 12 April and will be professionally facilitated to ensure all participants have an opportunity to contribute their views.
Click here to learn more about the consultations and to register for any of the six forums.