Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002

as amended

made under subsection 31 (1) of the

Disability Discrimination Act 1992

This compilation was prepared on 24 February 2004
taking into account amendments up to Disability Standards
for Accessible Public Transport Amendment 2004 (No. 1)

[Note:   The amendments made by the Disability Standards
for Accessible Public Transport Amendment 2004 (No. 1)
have been incorporated in this compilation for the convenience of users.

As at 24 February 2004 the amendments are uncommenced. 
They will commence on 2 April 2004]

Prepared by the Office of Legislative Drafting,
Attorney-General’s Department, Canberra

Contents

Part 1 Preliminary

Division 1.1 Purpose and application of Standards

 1.1 Name of Standards [see Note 1] 

 1.2 Purpose of Standards 

 1.3 Acknowledgment of rights of passengers, operators and providers 

 1.4 Application of Standards 

 1.5 Guidelines 

 1.6 Incorporation of Australian Standards and Australian Design Rules 

 1.7 Applicability of Standards 

Division 1.2 Meaning of important terms

 1.8 Purpose of Division 1.2 

 1.9 Access path 

 1.10 Airport that does not accept regular public transport services 

 1.11 Allocated space 

 1.12 Conveyance 

 1.13 Dedicated school bus and dedicated school bus service 

 1.14 Dial-a-ride service 

 1.15 Direct assistance 

 1.16 Equivalent access 

 1.17 Hail-and-ride service 

 1.18 Infrastructure 

 1.19 Manoeuvring areas 

 1.20 Operator 

 1.21 Premises 

 1.22 Provider 

 1.23 Public transport service 

 1.24 Small aircraft 

Part 2 Access paths

 2.1 Unhindered passage 

 2.2 Continuous accessibility 

 2.3 Path branching into 2 or more parallel tracks 

 2.4 Minimum unobstructed width 

 2.5 Poles and obstacles, etc 

 2.6 Access paths — conveyances 

 2.7 Minimum width between front wheel arches of bus 

 2.8 Extent of path 

 2.9 When is an access path not required 

Part 3 Manoeuvring areas

 3.1 Circulation space for wheelchairs to turn in 

 3.2 Access for passengers in wheelchairs, etc 

 3.3 Limited on-board manoeuvring 

Part 4 Passing areas

 4.1 Minimum width 

 4.2 Two-way access paths and aerobridges 

 4.3 Passing areas — conveyances 

Part 5 Resting points

 5.1 When resting points must be provided 

Part 6 Ramps

 6.1 Ramps on access paths 

 6.2 Boarding ramps 

 6.3 Minimum allowable width 

 6.4 Slope of external boarding ramps 

 6.5 Slope of ramps connected to pontoon wharves 

Part 7 Waiting areas

 7.1 Minimum number of seats to be provided 

 7.2 Minimum number of allocated spaces to be provided 

Part 8 Boarding

 8.1 Boarding points and kerbs 

 8.2 When boarding devices must be provided 

 8.3 Use of boarding devices 

 8.4 Hail-and-ride services 

 8.5 Width and surface of boarding devices 

 8.6 Maximum load to be supported by boarding device 

 8.7 Signals requesting use of boarding device 

 8.8 Notification by passenger of need for boarding device 

Part 9 Allocated space

 9.1 Minimum size for allocated space 

 9.2 Minimum number of allocated spaces to be provided 

 9.3 Minimum head room 

 9.4 Number of allocated spaces to be provided — buses 

 9.5 Number of allocated spaces to be provided — ferries 

 9.6 Number of allocated spaces to be provided — train cars, etc 

 9.7 Consolidation of allocated spaces 

 9.8 Allocated spaces in aircraft and coaches 

 9.9 Use of allocated space for other purposes 

 9.10 International symbol of accessibility to be displayed 

 9.11 Movement of mobility aid in allocated space 

Part 10 Surfaces

 10.1 Compliance with Australian Standard 

Part 11 Handrails and grabrails

 11.1 Compliance with Australian Standard — premises and infrastructure 

 11.2 Handrails to be provided on access paths 

 11.3 Handrails on steps 

 11.4 Handrails above access paths 

 11.5 Compliance with Australian Standard 

 11.6 Grabrail to be provided where fares are to be paid 

 11.7 Grabrails to be provided in allocated spaces 

Part 12 Doorways and doors

 12.1 Doors on access paths 

 12.2 Compliance with Australian Standard — premises and infrastructure 

 12.3 Weight activated doors and sensors 

 12.4 Clear opening of doorways 

 12.5 Vertical height of doorways 

 12.6 Automatic or power-assisted doors 

Part 13 Lifts

 13.1 Compliance with Australian Standard — premises and infrastructure 

Part 14 Stairs

 14.1 Stairs not to be sole means of access 

 14.2 Compliance with Australian Standards — premises and infrastructure 

 14.3 Compliance with Australian Standards — conveyances 

 14.4 Compliance with Australian Design Rule 58 — conveyances 

Part 15 Toilets

 15.1 Unisex accessible toilet — premises and infrastructure 

 15.2 Location of accessible toilets 

 15.3 Unisex accessible toilet — ferries and accessible rail cars 

 15.4 Requirements for accessible toilets — ferries and accessible rail cars 

 15.5 Accessible toilet to be provided — aircraft 

 15.6 Stops to be offered if accessible toilet not provided — coaches 

Part 16 Symbols

 16.1 International symbols for accessibility and deafness 

 16.2 Compliance with AS2899.1 (1986) 

 16.3 Accessibility symbols to incorporate directional arrows 

 16.4 Accessibility symbol to be visible on accessible buses 

 16.5 Accessibility symbol to be visible on accessible doors 

Part 17 Signs

 17.1 Height and illumination 

 17.2 Location — premises and infrastructure 

 17.3 Location — conveyances 

 17.4 Destination signs to be visible from boarding point 

 17.5 Electronic notices 

 17.6 Raised lettering or symbols or use of Braille 

 17.7 Taxi registration numbers 

Part 18 Tactile ground surface indicators

 18.1 Location 

 18.2 Style and dimensions 

 18.3 Instalment at accessible bus boarding points 

 18.4 Instalment at railway stations 

 18.5 Instalment at wharves 

Part 19 Alarms

 19.1 Emergency warning systems 

Part 20 Lighting

 20.1 Illumination levels — premises and infrastructure 

 20.2 Illumination levels — conveyances 

 20.3 Dimming 

Part 21 Controls

 21.1 Compliance with Australian Standard — premises and infrastructure 

 21.2 Passenger-operated devices for opening and closing doors 

 21.3 Location of passenger-operated controls for opening and locking doors 

 21.4 Signal devices for conveyances that stop on request 

Part 22 Furniture and fitments

 22.1 Tables, benches, counters, etc 

 22.2 Information desks, check-in counters, etc — airports 

 22.3 Accessible sleeping berths — ferries and trains 

 22.4 Accessible sleeping berths — ferries 

 22.5 Accessible sleeping berths — trains 

 22.6 Accessible berths to be connected to access path — ferries and trains 

Part 23 Street furniture

 23.1 Seats 

Part 24 Gateways

 24.1 Gateways and checkouts 

Part 25 Payment of fares

 25.1 Passengers to pay fares 

 25.2 Fare payment and ticket validation systems 

 25.3 Vending machines 

 25.4 Circulation space in front of vending machine 

Part 26 Hearing augmentation–listening systems

 26.1 Public address systems — premises and infrastructure 

 26.2 Public address systems — conveyances 

Part 27 Information

 27.1 Access to information about transport services 

 27.2 Direct assistance to be provided 

 27.3 Size and format of printing 

 27.4 Access to information about location 

Part 28 Booked services

 28.1 Notice of requirement for accessible travel 

 28.2 Period of notice of requirement for accessible travel 

 28.3 Location of carers, assistants and service animals 

 28.4 Accessible seats to be available for passengers with disabilities 

Part 29 Food and drink services

 29.1 Equal access to food and drink services 

 29.2 Distance around accessible tables 

 29.3 Space for passengers using mobility aids 

Part 30 Belongings

 30.1 Disability aids to be in addition to baggage allowance 

Part 31 Priority

 31.1 Priority seating 

 31.2 Information to be provided about vacating priority seating 

Part 32 Adoption

 32.1 Effect and application of these Standards 

 32.2 Manufacture to be completed before target dates 

Part 33 Compliance

 33.1 Date for compliance with these Standards — new conveyances, premises and infrastructure             

 33.2 Date for compliance with these Standards — conveyances, premises and infrastructure in use at target dates             

 33.3 Equivalent access 

 33.4 Consultation about proposals for equivalent access 

 33.5 Equivalent access without discrimination 

 33.6 Direct assistance 

 33.7 Exceptional cases — unjustifiable hardship 

Part 34 Review

 34.1 Timetable for review 

Schedule 1 Target dates for compliance 

Notes  

Part 1 Preliminary

Division 1.1 Purpose and application of Standards

1.1 Name of Standards [see Note 1]

  These Standards are the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002.

Note   These Standards take effect as provided by subsections 31 (3) and (4) of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992.

1.2 Purpose of Standards

 (1) The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 seeks to eliminate discrimination, ‘as far as possible’, against people with disabilities. Public transport is a service covered by the Disability Discrimination Act 1992.

 (2) The purpose of these Standards is to enable public transport operators and providers to remove discrimination from public transport services.

1.3 Acknowledgment of rights of passengers, operators and providers

  In prescribing how public transport is to be made accessible, these Standards acknowledge certain rights of passengers, operators and providers, as well as imposing some responsibilities.

1.4 Application of Standards

 (1) These Standards apply to the widest possible range of people with disabilities as defined by the Disability Discrimination Act 1992.

 (2) These Standards apply to all operators and the conveyances they use to provide public transport services. They also apply to providers and supporting premises and infrastructure.

1.5 Guidelines

  These Standards are accompanied by Guidelines. Passengers, operators and providers need to consult the Guidelines when interpreting these Standards.

1.6 Incorporation of Australian Standards and Australian Design Rules

  These Standards:

 (a) prescribe certain sections of Australian Standard 1428.1 (Design for access and mobility. Part 1 General requirements for access — Buildings, second edition, 2001) for transport premises, infrastructure and conveyances; and

 (b) prescribe some of the additional requirements of Australian Standard 1428.2 (Enhanced and additional requirements — Buildings and facilities, 1992) for transport premises, infrastructure and conveyances; and

 (c) prescribe some of the additional requirements of Australian Standard 1428.1 Supplement 1 (Design for access and mobility: General requirements for access — Buildings — Commentary, 2001) for transport premises, infrastructure and conveyances; and

 (d) prescribe some of the additional requirements of Australian Standard 1428.4 (Design for access and mobility: Tactile ground surface indicators for the orientation of people with vision impairments, 1992) for transport premises, infrastructure and conveyances; and

 (e) prescribe some of the additional requirements of Australian Standard 1735.12 (Lifts, escalators and moving walks: Facilities for persons with disabilities, 1999) for transport premises, infrastructure and conveyances; and

 (f) prescribe some of the additional requirements of Australian Standard 2220.1 and Australian Standard 2220.2 (Emergency warning and intercommunication systems in buildings, 1993) for transport premises, infrastructure and conveyances; and

 (g) prescribe some of the additional requirements of Australian Standard 2899.1 (Public information symbol signs: General information signs, 1986) for transport premises, infrastructure and conveyances; and

 (h) prescribe some of the additional requirements of Australian Standard 3856.1 (Hoists and ramps for people with disabilities — Vehicle mounted: Product requirements, 1998) for transport premises, infrastructure and conveyances; and

 (i) prescribe some of the additional requirements of Australian Design Rule 58 (Requirements for omnibuses designed for hire and reward, as amended to include Road Vehicle (National Standards) Determination No 2 of 1992) for transport premises, infrastructure and conveyances; and

 (j) apply additional requirements specific to public transport.

1.7 Applicability of Standards

  These Standards apply to conveyances, premises and infrastructure as indicated in a table below each section.

Examples

Example 1   A section that includes the information set out below applies to all conveyances, premises and infrastructure.

Example 2   A section that includes the information set out below applies to all premises and infrastructure but does not apply to conveyances.

Example 3   A section that includes the information set out below applies only to conveyances that are buses and does not apply to premises or infrastructure.

Example 4   A section that includes the information set out below applies to all infrastructure, except airports that do not accept regular public transport services, and does not apply to conveyances or premises.

Division 1.2 Meaning of important terms

1.8 Purpose of Division 1.2

 (1) This Division gives the meanings for some important terms used in these Standards.

 (2) Unless the contrary intention appears, any other term that is used in these Standards and in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 has the same meaning in these Standards as it has in the Act.

Note   See section 4 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 for definitions of other relevant terms, for example disability and disability discrimination.

1.9 Access path

  An access path is a path that permits independent travel for all passengers within public transport premises, infrastructure or conveyances.

1.10 Airport that does not accept regular public transport services

  An airport that does not accept regular public transport services is an airport that accepts aircraft other than aircraft that operate for the purpose mentioned in paragraph 206 (1) (c) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988.

1.11 Allocated space

  An allocated space is a three dimensional space that can accommodate a wheelchair or similar mobility aid.

1.12 Conveyance

 (1) A conveyance includes any of the following, to the extent that they are used to provide a public transport service:

 (a) aircraft;

 (b) buses or coaches;

 (c) ferries;

 (d) taxis;

 (e) trains, trams, light rail, monorails, rack railways;

 (f) any other rolling stock, vehicle or vessel classified as public transport within its jurisdiction by regulation or administrative action of any Government in Australia.

 (2) A conveyance does not include the following:

 (a) charter boats (including water taxis);

 (b) limousines (including chauffeured hire cars);

 (c) self-drive rental cars.

1.13 Dedicated school bus and dedicated school bus service

 (1) A bus is a dedicated school bus only during the time in which it is being used to provide a dedicated school bus service.

 (2) A dedicated school bus service is a service that operates to transport primary or secondary students to or from school or for other school purposes.

1.14 Dial-a-ride service

  A dial-a-ride service is a service that:

 (a) is usually operated by a small bus; and

 (b) serves a local community; and

 (c) operates on flexible routes that allow passengers to be picked up and dropped off at their front doors.

1.15 Direct assistance

  Direct assistance is help given by an operator or provider:

 (a) to make public transport accessible to a person with a disability when premises, infrastructure or conveyances do not fully comply with these Standards; or

 (b) to provide non-discriminatory access on request.

1.16 Equivalent access

 (1) Equivalent access is a process, often involving the provision of direct assistance, under which an operator or provider is permitted to vary the equipment or facilities that give access to a public transport service, so long as an equivalent standard of amenity, availability, comfort, convenience, dignity, price and safety is maintained.

 (2) Equivalent access does not include a segregated or parallel service.

1.17 Hail-and-ride service

  A hail-and-ride service is a service operated by a bus that follows set routes, but may stop for passengers at any safe point on the route.

1.18 Infrastructure

 (1) Infrastructure is any structure or facility that is used by passengers in conjunction with travelling on a public transport service.

 (2) Infrastructure does not include any area beyond immediate boarding points (for example, bus stops, wharves, ranks, rail stations, terminals).

1.19 Manoeuvring areas

  A manoeuvring area is a space in which a wheelchair or similar mobility aid is able to turn.

1.20 Operator

 (1) An operator is a person or organisation (including the staff of the organisation) that provides a public transport service to the public or to sections of the public.

 (2) A public transport service may have more than one operator.

1.21 Premises

 (1) Premises are structures, buildings or attached facilities that an operator provides for passenger use as part of a public transport service.

 (2) Premises are a form of infrastructure.

1.22 Provider

 (1) A provider is a person or organisation that is responsible for the supply or maintenance of public transport infrastructure.

 (2) A provider need not be an operator.

1.23 Public transport service

 (1) A public transport service is an enterprise that conveys members of the public by land, water or air.

 (2) A public transport service includes:

 (a) community transport conveyances that are funded or subsidised by charity or public money and that offer services to the public; and

 (b) foreign aircraft and vessels that carry passengers to, from, or in Australia and that offer services to the public.

 (3) A public transport service does not include a service that provides adventure travel (for example, white water rafting, ballooning or amusement park rides), except to the extent that the service operates to move the public from one location to another distant location.

1.24 Small aircraft

  A small aircraft is an aircraft with less than 30 seats for the carriage of passengers.

Part 2 Access paths

2.1 Unhindered passage

 (1) An access path that allows unhindered passage must be provided along a walkway, ramp or landing.

 (2) An access path must comply with AS1428.2 (1992) Clause 8.1.

2.2 Continuous accessibility

  An access path must comply with AS1428.2 (1992) Clause 7, Continuous accessible path of travel.

2.3 Path branching into 2 or more parallel tracks

  If an access path branches into 2 or more parallel tracks:

 (a) the ends of each track must be on the main pedestrian traffic routes; and

 (b) the parallel tracks must have equal convenience and be located as close as practicable to the main pedestrian branch.

2.4 Minimum unobstructed width

 (1) The minimum unobstructed width of an access path must be 1200 mm (AS1428.2 (1992) Clause 6.4, Width of path of travel).

 (2) However, the minimum unobstructed width of a moving footway may be 850 mm.

2.5 Poles and obstacles, etc

 (1) Poles, columns, stanchions, bollards and fixtures must not project into an access path.

 (2) Obstacles that abut an access path must have a luminance contrast with a background of not less than 30%.

2.6 Access paths — conveyances

 (1) Subject to subsection (3) and section 2.7, an access path that allows continuous and unhindered passage must be provided with a minimum width of at least 850 mm.

 (2) Subsection (1) applies to doorways and stairs, and between entrances, exits, allocated spaces and other essential facilities for passengers using wheelchairs and other mobility aids.

 (3) If the conveyance exists or is ordered before the commencement of this section, the minimum width may be reduced to 800 mm at any doorway restriction.

2.7 Minimum width between front wheel arches of bus

  Between the front wheel arches of a bus, the minimum width of an access path may be reduced to 750 mm between floor level and a height of 300 mm.

2.8 Extent of path

 (1) An access path must extend from the entrance of a conveyance to the facilities or designated spaces provided for passengers with disabilities.

 (2) Up to 50 mm of an adjacent allocated space may be used as part of the access path.

 (3) If an access path cannot be provided, the operator must provide equivalent access by direct assistance.

2.9 When is an access path not required

 (1) An access path need not extend inside the entrance of a conveyance.

 (2) If there is no access path inside the entrance of a conveyance, the operator must provide on-board wheelchairs or direct assistance to passengers to use on-board facilities or services.

Part 3 Manoeuvring areas

3.1 Circulation space for wheelchairs to turn in

  A manoeuvring area must comply with AS1428.2 (1992) Clause 6.2, Circulation space for a 180 degree wheelchair turn.

3.2 Access for passengers in wheelchairs, etc

 (1) Passengers in wheelchairs or mobility aids must be able to enter and exit a conveyance and position their aids in the allocated space.

 (2) If this is not practicable, operators must provide equivalent access by direct assistance.

Note   See sections 33.3 to 33.6 in relation to equivalent access and direct assistance.

3.3 Limited on-board manoeuvring

  If the design restrictions of a conveyance limit on-board manoeuvring areas for wheelchairs and similar mobility aids, the operator of the conveyance must ensure equivalent access by direct assistance to passengers.

Note   See sections 33.3 to 33.6 in relation to equivalent access and direct assistance.

Part 4 Passing areas

4.1 Minimum width

  A passing area must have a minimum width of 1800 mm (AS1428.2 (1992) Clause 6.5 (a), Passing space for wheelchairs).

4.2 Two-way access paths and aerobridges

 (1) A passing area must be provided at least every 6 metres along any two-
way access path that is less than 1800 mm wide (AS1428.2 (1992) Clause 6.5 (b), Passing space for wheelchairs and Figure 3).

 (2) A passing area is not required on an aerobridge.

4.3 Passing areas — conveyances

 (1) A ferry designed to carry more than 1 wheelchair must include at least 1 passing area for each accessible deck.

 (2) A train designed to carry more than 1 wheelchair must include at least 1 passing area for each accessible rail car.

 (3) The passing area must enable passengers travelling in mobility aids (conforming with the assumptions indicated in Part 40.1 of the Guidelines) to pass each other.

 (4) The passing area may comprise part of the allocated space or circulation space or both.

Part 5 Resting points

5.1 When resting points must be provided

 (1) There must be resting points for passengers along an access path if
the walking distance between facilities or services exceeds 60 metres (AS1428.2 (1992) Note to Clause 7, Continuous accessible path of travel).

 (2) A resting point must provide seats (AS1428.2 (1992) Clause 27.1(a), Street Furniture).

Part 6 Ramps

6.1 Ramps on access paths

  A ramp on an access path must comply with AS1428.2 (1992) Clause 8.

6.2 Boarding ramps

  A boarding ramp must comply with AS3856.1 (1998) Clause 2.1.8 (b), (c), (f) and (g).

6.3 Minimum allowable width

  The minimum allowable width of a ramp is 800 mm.

6.4 Slope of external boarding ramps

  The slope of an external boarding ramp must not exceed:

 (a) 1 in 12 for unassisted access (AS3856.1 (1998) Clause 2.1.8(e)); and

 (b) 1 in 8 for unassisted access where the ramp length is less than 1520 mm (AS1428.2 (1992) Clause 8.4.2 (a) and AS1428.1 (2001) Figure 8); and

 (c) 1 in 4 for assisted access (AS3856.1 (1998) Clause 2.1.8 (e)).

6.5 Slope of ramps connected to pontoon wharves

  The slope of a ramp connected to a pontoon wharf must comply with section 6.1 for at least 80% of the high and low tide levels listed in standard tide charts.

Part 7 Waiting areas

7.1 Minimum number of seats to be provided

  If a waiting area is provided, a minimum of 2 seats or 5% of the seats must be identified as available for passengers with disabilities if required.

7.2 Minimum number of allocated spaces to be provided

  If a waiting area is provided, a minimum of 2 allocated spaces or 5% of the area must be available for passengers with disabilities if required.

Part 8 Boarding

8.1 Boarding points and kerbs

 (1) Operators and providers may assume that passengers will board at a point that has a firm and level surface to which a boarding device can be deployed.

 (2) If a kerb is installed, it must be at least 150 mm higher than the road surface.

8.2 When boarding devices must be provided

 (1) A manual or power assisted boarding device must be available at any accessible entrance to a conveyance that has:

 (a) a vertical rise or gap exceeding 15 mm (AS3856.1 (1998) Clause 2.1.7 (f)); or

 (b) a horizontal gap exceeding 40 mm (AS3856.1 (1998) Clause 2.1.8 (g)).

8.3 Use of boarding devices

 (1) If a conveyance has a manual or automatic boarding device, it must be available for use at all designated stops.

 (2) An available boarding device must be deployed if a passenger requests its use.

8.4 Hail-and-ride services

 (1) If a hail-and-ride service is offered, passengers must be able to hail the service at nominated accessible boarding points where boarding devices can be deployed.

 (2) The boarding points must offer equal access to public transport services.

8.5 Width and surface of boarding devices

  A boarding device must:

 (a) be a minimum of 800 mm wide; and

 (b) have a slip-resistant surface.

8.6 Maximum load to be supported by boarding device

 (1) A boarding device must be able to support a total passenger and mobility aid weight of up to 300 kg.

 (2) The device must be clearly labelled with the maximum load that it can carry, both on the boarding device and next to the accessible entrance on the outside of the conveyance.

8.7 Signals requesting use of boarding device

 (1) Any signal for requesting the deployment of a boarding device must be located in an allocated space.

 (2) If possible, a signal is to be placed according to the dimensions given in AS1428.2 (1992) Clause 11.4, Call buttons.

8.8 Notification by passenger of need for boarding device

 (1) It must be possible for a passenger to notify the operator of a conveyance that he or she needs a boarding device to board or alight from a conveyance.

 (2) If a request signal device is used, it may be located on the conveyance or at the boarding point according to the dimensions given in AS1428.2 (1992) Clause 11.4, Call buttons.

Part 9 Allocated space

9.1 Minimum size for allocated space

  The minimum allocated space for a single wheelchair or similar mobility aid is 800 mm by 1300 mm (AS1428.2 (1992) Clause 6.1, Clear floor or ground space for a stationary wheelchair).

9.2 Minimum number of allocated spaces to be provided

  At least one allocated space must be provided in each conveyance (AS1428.2 (1992) Clause 6.1).

9.3 Minimum head room

 (1) The minimum head room in an allocated space is 1410 mm.

Note   See section 12.5 in relation to minimum doorway opening.

 (2) For a conveyance entering service on or after 1 January 2013, the minimum headroom is 1500 mm.

9.4 Number of allocated spaces to be provided — buses

 (1) At least 2 allocated spaces must be provided in each bus with more than 32 fixed seats.

 (2) At least one allocated space must be provided in each bus with less than 33 fixed seats.

 (3) An allocated space is additional to the fixed seating capacity.

9.5 Number of allocated spaces to be provided — ferries

 (1) A minimum of 2 allocated spaces must be provided for the first 32 passenger capacity on a ferry.

 (2) An additional 2 allocated spaces must be provided for each additional 100 passenger capacity.

9.6 Number of allocated spaces to be provided — train cars, etc

 (1) At least 2 allocated spaces must be provided for each rail, tram or light rail car.

 (2) Up to 8 allocated spaces may be consolidated in one car of a set.

 (3) If different classes of travel are offered, allocated spaces must be provided in each class.

9.7 Consolidation of allocated spaces

  If possible, allocated spaces are to be consolidated to accommodate larger mobility aids.

9.8 Allocated spaces in aircraft and coaches

  An operator does not have to provide allocated space in an aircraft or coach if each passenger uses a fixed seat in the aircraft or coach.

9.9 Use of allocated space for other purposes

  Allocated space may be used for other purposes if it is not required for use by a passenger in a wheelchair or similar mobility aid.

9.10 International symbol of accessibility to be displayed

 (1) The floor area of an allocated space must:

 (a) display the international symbol of accessibility; and

 (b) be outlined in a flush contrasting strip 25 mm wide.

 (2) The colours prescribed in AS1428.1 (2001) Clause 14.2 (c) are not mandatory.

9.11 Movement of mobility aid in allocated space

  An allocated space must contain movement of a mobility aid towards the front or sides of a conveyance.

Part 10 Surfaces

10.1 Compliance with Australian Standard

 (1) Ground and floor surfaces must comply with AS1428.2 (1992) Clause 9, Ground and floor surfaces.

 (2) AS1428.1 Supplement 1 (2001) Clause C12 provides criteria for the selection of floor surfaces.

Part 11 Handrails and grabrails

11.1 Compliance with Australian Standard — premises and infrastructure

  A handrail must comply with AS1428.2 (1992) Clause 10.1, Handrails.

11.2 Handrails to be provided on access paths

 (1) Handrails must be placed along an access path wherever passengers are likely to require additional support or passive guidance.

 (2) A handrail must not infringe an area on a roadside boarding point that may be needed to deploy a boarding device.

11.3 Handrails on steps

 (1) A handrail on steps need not extend beyond the top or bottom of the steps.

 (2) A domed button may be placed 150 mm from any break or end of a handrail instead of an extension at a rail end (AS1428.2 (1992) Figure 5).

11.4 Handrails above access paths

  If installed, a handrail above an access path must comply with AS1428.1 (2001) Clause 6.1 (c), Handrails and Figure 9.

11.5 Compliance with Australian Standard

  A grabrail must comply with AS1428.2 (1992) Clause 10.2, Grabrails.

11.6 Grabrail to be provided where fares are to be paid

  A grabrail or handrail must be provided at fixed locations where passengers are required to pay fares.

11.7 Grabrails to be provided in allocated spaces

  Grabrails that comply with AS1428.2 (1992) Clause 10.2, Grabrails, must be provided in all allocated spaces.

Part 12 Doorways and doors

12.1 Doors on access paths

 (1) Any doors along an access path must not present a barrier to independent passenger travel.

 (2) Direct assistance may be provided through security check points.

12.2 Compliance with Australian Standard — premises and infrastructure

  Doorways and doors must comply with AS1428.2 (1992) Clause 11 (except Clause 11.5.2).

12.3 Weight activated doors and sensors

 (1) A pressure pad of a weight activated door must be sensitive enough to detect a 15 kg service animal.

 (2) Any other type of sensor on an access path must be able to detect movement between ground level and 500 mm above the access path.

12.4 Clear opening of doorways

  Doorways must comply with AS1428.2 (1992) Clause 11.5.1, Clear opening of doorways.

12.5 Vertical height of doorways

 (1) Doorways must have an unobstructed vertical height of at least 1400 mm.

Note   See section 9.3 in relation to internal headroom.

 (2) For a conveyance entering service on or after 1 January 2013, the minimum unobstructed doorway height must be 1500 mm.

12.6 Automatic or power-assisted doors

 (1) Doors may be fully automatic.

 (2) Power-assisted doors must not require passengers to grip or twist controls in order to operate opening devices.

 (3) Operators may provide equivalent access to conveyances by opening manual doors for people with disabilities.

Note   See sections 33.3 to 33.5 in relation to equivalent access.

Part 13 Lifts

13.1 Compliance with Australian Standard — premises and infrastructure

  Lift facilities must comply with AS1735.12 (1999).

Part 14 Stairs

14.1 Stairs not to be sole means of access

  Stairs must not be the sole means of access.

14.2 Compliance with Australian Standards — premises and infrastructure

  Stairs must comply with:

 (a) the notes to AS1428.1 (2001) Clause 9.2, Stair Geometry; and

 (b) AS1428.1 (2001) Clause 9.3, Stairway Handrails; and

 (c) AS1428.2 (1992) Clause 13.2, Configuration of steps, Clause 13.3, Warning strip at nosing of steps and Figures 8 and 9.

14.3 Compliance with Australian Standards — conveyances

 (1) If stairs are provided on a conveyance mentioned below, they must comply with:

 (a) the notes to AS1428.1 (2001) Clause 9.2, Stair geometry; and

 (b) AS1428.2 (1992) Clause 13.2, Configuration of steps, Clause 13.3, Warning strip at nosing of steps and Figures 8 and 9.

 (2) However, the minimum access path width on stairs in the conveyance must be 850 mm.

14.4 Compliance with Australian Design Rule 58 — conveyances

 (1) Stairs must comply with Australian Design Rule 58 to the extent that that rule sets requirements that conflict with these Standards.

 (2) In any other case, section 14.3 applies.

Part 15 Toilets

15.1 Unisex accessible toilet — premises and infrastructure

  If toilets are provided, there must be at least one unisex accessible toilet without airlock that complies with AS1428.1 (2001) Clause 10, Sanitary facilities.

15.2 Location of accessible toilets

  Accessible toilets must be in the same location as other toilets.

15.3 Unisex accessible toilet — ferries and accessible rail cars

  If toilets are provided, there must be at least one unisex accessible toilet without airlock available to passengers using wheelchairs or mobility aids.

15.4 Requirements for accessible toilets — ferries and accessible rail cars

 (1) An accessible toilet must:

 (a) comply with the requirements set out in this section; and

 (b) allow passengers in wheelchairs or mobility aids to enter, position their aids and exit.

 (2) The minimum dimension from the centre line of the pan to the near-side wall must be 450 mm (AS1428.1 (2001) Figure 22).

 (3) The minimum dimension from the centre line of the pan to the far-side wall must be 1150 mm (AS1428.1 (2001) Figure 22).

 (4) The minimum dimension from the back wall to the front edge of the pan must be 800 mm (AS1428.1 (2001) Figure 22).

 (5) The toilet seat must be between 460 mm and 480 mm above the floor (AS1428.1 (2001) Figure 18).

 (6) Hand washing facilities must be provided either inside or outside the toilet (AS1428.1 (2001) Clause 10.2.1 (b), Water closets).

15.5 Accessible toilet to be provided — aircraft

 (1) At least one toilet must be accessible to passengers using an on-board wheelchair.

 (2) Direct assistance to the toilet door must be provided.

15.6 Stops to be offered if accessible toilet not provided — coaches

  If an on-board toilet is not accessible, the operator must offer stops, at reasonable frequency, at premises with accessible toilets.

Part 16 Symbols

16.1 International symbols for accessibility and deafness

 (1) The international symbols for accessibility and deafness (AS1428.1 (2001) Clause 14.2, Form of the international symbol and Clause 14.3, International symbol for deafness) must be used to identify an access path and which facilities and boarding points are accessible.

 (2) The colours prescribed in AS1428.1 (2001) Clause 14.2 (c) are not mandatory.

 (3) The size of accessibility symbols must comply with AS1428.2 (1992) Table 1.

16.2 Compliance with AS2899.1 (1986)

  The illustrations and symbols prescribed in AS2899.1 (1986) must be used if applicable.

16.3 Accessibility symbols to incorporate directional arrows

  The symbol for accessibility must incorporate directional arrows and words or, if possible, pictograms, to show passengers the way to accessible facilities such as toilets.

16.4 Accessibility symbol to be visible on accessible buses

 (1) The international symbol of accessibility must be clearly visible on the front of accessible buses.

 (2) The symbol must also appear outside accessible doors, accompanied by a numeral indicating the number of allocated spaces provided by the bus.

16.5 Accessibility symbol to be visible on accessible doors

  The international symbol of accessibility must be clearly visible both inside and outside accessible doors on these conveyances.

Part 17 Signs

17.1 Height and illumination

  Signs must comply with AS1428.2 (1992) Clause 17.1, Signs, Clause 17.2, Height of letters in signs and Clause 17.3, Illumination of signs and Figure 30.

17.2 Location — premises and infrastructure

  Signs must be placed according to AS1428.2 (1992) Clause 17.4, Location of signs.

17.3 Location — conveyances

 (1) If possible, signs are to be placed in accordance with AS1428.2 (1992) Clause 17.4, Location of signs and Figure 30.

 (2) If the design of the conveyance prevents strict compliance, signs must be placed above the head height of passengers, whether they are sitting or standing.

 (3) If used, destination signs must be placed above the windscreen.

17.4 Destination signs to be visible from boarding point

 (1) Destination signs must be visible from, or available at, boarding points.

 (2) They may be displayed on the conveyance or within the premises or infrastructure.

17.5 Electronic notices

 (1) Presentations of words or numbers on electronic notices must be visible for at least 10 seconds, unless the electronic notice is for the purpose of ticket validation.

 (2) If the electronic notice is for this purpose, the words or numbers on the notice must cease to be visible before the end of 10 seconds if the ticket validation device is used by another person within that time.

17.6 Raised lettering or symbols or use of Braille

 (1) If a sign incorporates raised lettering or symbols, they must be at least 0.8 mm above the surface of the sign.

 (2) If an operator or provider supplements a notice with Braille characters, they must be placed to the left of the raised characters.

17.7 Taxi registration numbers

  Raised taxi registration numbers must be placed on the exterior of passenger doors forward of the handle.

Part 18 Tactile ground surface indicators

18.1 Location

  Tactile ground surface indicators must be installed on an access path to indicate stairways, ramps, changes of direction, overhead obstructions below a height of 2000 mm, and hazards within a circulation space or adjacent to a path of travel (AS1428.2 (1992) Clause 18.1, Tactile ground surface indicators).

18.2 Style and dimensions

 (1) The style and dimensions of tactile ground surface indicators must comply with AS1428.4 (1992).

 (2) The stated dimensions may be reduced where a conveyance design does not provide the necessary area.

18.3 Instalment at accessible bus boarding points

  Colour-contrasted tactile indicators must be installed at accessible boarding points at bus stops or in bus zones.

18.4 Instalment at railway stations

  Colour contrasted tactile indicators must be installed at the edges of railway platforms as prescribed by AS1428.4 (1992) Clause 6.7.

18.5 Instalment at wharves

  Colour contrasted tactile indicators must be installed at wharf edges as prescribed by AS1428.4 (1992) Clause 6.8.

Part 19 Alarms

19.1 Emergency warning systems

 (1) If installed, emergency warning systems must comply with AS1428.2 (1992) Clause 18.2.1, Emergency warning systems, Clause 18.2.2, Audible alarms, and Clause 18.2.3, Visual alarms.

 (2) Provision must be made for people with vision impairment to locate the exit path in the event of an emergency.

Part 20 Lighting

20.1 Illumination levels — premises and infrastructure

  Any lighting provided must comply with minimum levels of maintenance illumination for various situations shown in the notes to AS1428.2 (1992) Clause 19.1, Illumination levels.

20.2 Illumination levels — conveyances

 (1) Any lighting provided must comply with minimum levels of maintenance illumination for various situations shown in the notes to AS1428.2 (1992) Clause 19.1, Illumination levels.

 (2) Lighting should be at least 150 lux at the entrance and at the point where a passenger pays his or her fare.

20.3 Dimming

  Internal lighting may be dimmed as required to avoid reflection interfering with an operator’s vision.

Part 21 Controls

21.1 Compliance with Australian Standard — premises and infrastructure

  Controls must comply with AS1428.1 (2001) Clause 11.

21.2 Passenger-operated devices for opening and closing doors

  Passenger-operated devices for opening and closing manual and power‑ assisted doors on conveyances must comply with AS1428.2 (1992) Clause 23.2, Operation, and Clause 23.3, Door handles and hardware.

21.3 Location of passenger-operated controls for opening and locking doors

  Passenger-operated opening and locking controls for doors on conveyances must be located according to AS1428.1 (2001) Clause 11.1.2, Location.

21.4 Signal devices for conveyances that stop on request

 (1) Conveyances that stop on request must be equipped with signal devices that comply with AS1428.2 (1992) Clauses 23.2 and 23.3.

 (2) If a signal is operated by a button or pad, one surface dimension must be at least 25 mm.

Part 22 Furniture and fitments

22.1 Tables, benches, counters, etc

  Tables, benches, counters and similar fixtures must comply with AS1428.2 (1992) Clauses 24.1, 24.1.1, 24.1.2, 24.1.3, 24.1.4 and 24.1.5.

22.2 Information desks, check-in counters, etc — airports

  At least 5% of information desks, check-in counters and similar airport fixtures used by passengers must be suitable for use by passengers in wheelchairs or similar mobility aids.

22.3 Accessible sleeping berths — ferries and trains

 (1) Accessible sleeping berths must comply with AS1428.2 (1992) Clause 24.3 (a), (c) and (d), Beds.

 (2) Passengers in wheelchairs or mobility aids must be able to enter and exit the berth, and position their aids, so that they can get into the bed or bunk.

 (3) If this is not possible, or where recliner chairs are used, operators must provide equivalent access by direct assistance.

Note   See sections 33.3 to 33.6 in relation to equivalent access and direct assistance.

22.4 Accessible sleeping berths — ferries

  If a ferry has sleeping berths, at least one accessible sleeping berth must be provided for every 32 beds or bunks on the ferry.

22.5 Accessible sleeping berths — trains

 (1) If a train has sleeping berths, a minimum of 2 accessible berths must be provided in each set of up to 4 sleeping cars, or one accessible sleeping berth must be provided for every 32 bunks.

 (2) If different classes of travel are offered, accessible sleeping berths must be provided in each class.

22.6 Accessible berths to be connected to access path — ferries and trains

 (1) Accessible berths must be connected by an access path to essential facilities such as toilets, bathrooms and food service areas that are not part of the accessible cabin.

 (2) If this is not practicable, operators must provide equivalent access by direct assistance.

Note   See sections 33.3 to 33.6 in relation to equivalent access and direct assistance.

Part 23 Street furniture

23.1 Seats

  Seats must comply with AS1428.2 (1992) Clause 27.2, Seating in pedestrian areas.

Part 24 Gateways

24.1 Gateways and checkouts

 (1) Gateways and checkouts, such as ticket barriers, must comply with AS1428.2 (1992) Clause 28, Gateways and checkouts.

 (2) However, the width of an accessible gateway or checkout mentioned in AS1428.2 (1992) Clause 28.2 must be at least 850 mm.

Part 25 Payment of fares

25.1 Passengers to pay fares

  All passengers must be prepared to pay fares.

25.2 Fare payment and ticket validation systems

 (1) Fare payment and ticket validation systems must not require actions from passengers with disabilities that exceed the requirements for other passengers.

 (2) For passengers who have difficulties with standard fare payment systems, operators and providers must offer a form of payment that meets equivalent access principles.

Note   See sections 33.3 to 33.5 in relation to equivalent access.

25.3 Vending machines

  Vending machines must comply with AS1428.2 (1992) Clause 29.1, Height, Clause 29.2, Controls, and Clause 29.3, Illumination.

25.4 Circulation space in front of vending machine

  The circulation space in front of any vending machine must allow for a 180 degree turn as in AS1428.2 (1992) Clause 6.2, Circulation space for 180 degree wheelchair turn.

Part 26 Hearing augmentation–listening systems

26.1 Public address systems — premises and infrastructure

  If a public address system is installed, it must comply with AS1428.2 (1992) Clause 21.1, Hearing augmentation.

26.2 Public address systems — conveyances

  If a public address system is installed:

 (a) people who are deaf or have a hearing impairment must be able to receive a message equivalent to the message received by people without a hearing impairment; and

 (b) it must comply with AS1428.2 (1992) Clause 21.1, Hearing augmentation.

Part 27 Information

27.1 Access to information about transport services

  General information about transport services must be accessible to all passengers.

27.2 Direct assistance to be provided

  If information cannot be supplied in a passenger’s preferred format, equivalent access must be given by direct assistance.

Note   See sections 33.3 to 33.6 in relation to equivalent access and direct assistance.

27.3 Size and format of printing

 (1) Large print format type size must be at least 18 point sans serif characters.

 (2) Copy must be black on a light background.

27.4 Access to information about location

  All passengers must be given the same level of access to information on their whereabouts during a public transport journey.

Part 28 Booked services

28.1 Notice of requirement for accessible travel

  Operators of booked services may request advance notice of a requirement for accessible travel.

28.2 Period of notice of requirement for accessible travel

  Any advance notice required of a requirement for accessible travel must not exceed the period of notice specified for other passengers.

28.3 Location of carers, assistants and service animals

 (1) On booked services, operators must locate carers, assistants or service animals with the passenger with whom they are travelling.

 (2) In the case of carers or assistants, this would normally be in an adjoining seat.

 (3) If a passenger is travelling with a service animal, the animal must be able to accompany the passenger at all times and to travel without encroaching onto an access path.

28.4 Accessible seats to be available for passengers with disabilities

 (1) Accessible seats must be kept for passengers with disabilities.

 (2) Operators must allocate unbooked accessible seats to other passengers only after all other standard seats are filled.

Part 29 Food and drink services

29.1 Equal access to food and drink services

  Operators and providers must ensure that any food or drink service that is provided as part of a public transport service is equally available to all passengers.

29.2 Distance around accessible tables

  The distance around accessible tables in food and drink service areas must comply with AS1428.2 (1992) Clause 24.1.7.

29.3 Space for passengers using mobility aids

  Operators may provide space for passengers using mobility aids in food and drink service areas or give the same convenience by equivalent access.

Note   See sections 33.3 to 33.5 in relation to equivalent access.

Part 30 Belongings

30.1 Disability aids to be in addition to baggage allowance

 (1) Disability aids (for example, equipment and apparatus including mobility, technical and medical aids) are to be in addition to normal baggage allowances.

 (2) If possible, disability aids are to be treated in the same way as cabin or accompanied baggage.

Part 31 Priority

31.1 Priority seating

  Operators must designate at least 2 of the seats provided on their unbooked conveyances as priority seating for passengers with disabilities and other groups in need of special assistance (for example, the aging).

31.2 Information to be provided about vacating priority seating

  Operators must inform all relevant passengers (by signage or similar systems) that they should vacate an identified priority seat or allocated space if a passenger with a disability requires it.

Part 32 Adoption

32.1 Effect and application of these Standards

  These Standards apply, on and from the date they come into effect under section 31 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, to:

 (a) public transport services provided with:

 (i) newly constructed premises or infrastructure; or

 (ii) conveyances entering service after these Standards come into effect; or

 (iii) premises, infrastructure or conveyances that have undergone substantial refurbishment or alteration; or

 (iv) additional or replacement equipment in premises and infrastructure or on conveyances; and

 (b) new or revised ancillary services that are provided as an adjunct to the public transport operation; and

 (c) new or updated information provided to the public.

32.2 Manufacture to be completed before target dates

  In all cases, manufacture or other work that is required to ensure compliance with these Standards is to be completed before the target dates set out in Schedule 1.

Part 33 Compliance

33.1 Date for compliance with these Standards — new conveyances, premises and infrastructure

  Operators and providers must comply with the specified sections of these Standards for all new premises, infrastructure and conveyances brought into use for public transport service on and from the date these Standards come into effect under section 31 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992.

33.2 Date for compliance with these Standards — conveyances, premises and infrastructure in use at target dates

  Operators and providers must comply with the specified sections of these Standards for premises, infrastructure and conveyances that are still in use for public transport at the target dates specified in Schedule 1.

33.3 Equivalent access

 (1) Compliance with these Standards may be achieved by:

 (a) applying relevant specifications in these Standards before the target dates; or

 (b) using methods, equipment and facilities that provide alternative means of access to the public transport service concerned (but not using separate or parallel services) with equivalence of amenity, availability, comfort, convenience, dignity, price and safety.

 (2) This may include direct assistance over and above that required simply to overcome discrimination.

33.4 Consultation about proposals for equivalent access

  The operator or provider of a public transport service must consult with passengers with disabilities who use the service, or with organisations representing people with disabilities, about any proposal for equivalent access.

33.5 Equivalent access without discrimination

  Operators and providers must be able to demonstrate that equivalent access provides public transport without discrimination ‘as far as possible’.

33.6 Direct assistance

 (1) Nothing in these Standards prevents operators or providers from offering assistance directly to passengers.

 (2) If these Standards have not been fully met, direct assistance may be a means of providing equivalent access.

 (3) In addition to compliance with other provisions of these Standards, direct assistance to passengers is required if:

 (a) it is necessary to provide equivalent access to a service; and

 (b) direct access can reasonably be provided without unjustifiable hardship.

33.7 Exceptional cases — unjustifiable hardship

 (1) It is not unlawful to fail to comply with a requirement of these Standards if, and to the extent that, compliance would impose unjustifiable hardship on any person or organisation.

 (2) However, compliance is required to the maximum extent not involving unjustifiable hardship.

 (3) In determining whether compliance with a requirement of these Standards would involve unjustifiable hardship, all relevant circumstances of the particular case are to be taken into account including the following:

 (a) any additional capital, operating or other costs, or loss of revenue, that would be directly incurred by, or reasonably likely to result from, compliance with the relevant requirement of these Standards;

 (b) any reductions in capital, operating or other costs, or increases in revenue, that would be directly achieved by, or reasonably likely to result from, compliance with a relevant requirement of these Standards;

 (c) the extent to which the service concerned operates, or is required to operate, on a commercial or cost-recovery basis;

 (d) the extent to which the service concerned is provided by or on behalf of a public authority for public purposes;

 (e) the financial position of a person or organisation required to comply with these Standards;

 (f) any effect that compliance with the relevant requirement of these Standards is reasonably likely to have on the financial viability of a person or organisation required to comply, or on the provision of the service, or feature of service, concerned;

 (g) any exceptional operational, technical or geographic factors, including at a local or regional level, affecting a person or organisation’s ability to comply with a relevant requirement of these Standards;

 (h) financial, staffing, technical, information and other resources reasonably available to a person or organisation required to comply with these Standards, including any grants, tax concessions, subsidies or other external assistance provided or available;

 (i) benefits reasonably likely to accrue from compliance with relevant requirements of these Standards, including benefits to people with disabilities, to other passengers or to other persons concerned, or detriment likely to result from non-compliance;

 (j) detriment reasonably likely to be suffered by an operator, provider, passenger or other person or organisation concerned, including in relation to equality of amenity, availability, comfort, convenience, dignity, price and safety of services or effectiveness and efficiency of operation if compliance with relevant provisions of these Standards is required;

 (k) if detriment under paragraph (j) involves loss of heritage values — the extent to which relevant heritage value or features of the conveyance, building or other item concerned are essential, and to what extent incidental, to the transport service provided;

 (l) whether compliance with a requirement of these Standards may reasonably be achieved (including by means of equivalent access as provided for in sections 33.3 to 33.5) by less onerous means than those objected to by a person or organisation as imposing unjustifiable hardship;

 (m) any evidence regarding efforts made in good faith by a person or organisation concerned to comply with the relevant requirements of these Standards;

 (n) if a person or organisation concerned has given an action plan to the Commission under section 64 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 — the terms of that action plan and any evidence regarding its implementation;

 (o) the nature and results of any processes of consultation, including at local, regional, State, national, international, industry or other level, involving, or on behalf of, an operator concerned, any infrastructure providers as relevant, and people with a disability, regarding means of achieving compliance with a relevant requirement of these Standards and including in relation to the factors listed in this section;

 (p) if a person or organisation seeks a longer period to comply with these Standards, or a requirement of these Standards, than is permitted by the preceding sections on Adoption and Compliance — whether the additional time sought is reasonable, including by reference to the factors set out in paragraphs (a) to (o) above, and what undertakings the person or organisation concerned has made or is prepared to make in this respect.