The Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 otherwise known as the Transport Standards or DSAPT, has undergone a major update to reflect 76 reforms that were announced by the Australian Government in March 2024.
The DSAPT makes provisions for passengers with disability to ensure they have equal access to and within public transport premises, infrastructure and conveyances within Australia’s public transport network.
The ‘Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport Amendment 2026’ dated 27th July 2026, will affect public transport ‘providers’ and ‘operators’ once it commences. The amendment was registered on the Federal Register of Legislation (document number F2026L01002) on the 30th July 2026 as a disallowable legislative instrument and was tabled with Parliament on the 11th August 2026. As per section 31 of Disability Discrimination Act 1992, the instrument cannot commence until the disallowance period of 15 sitting days ends. Assuming that there are no objections by senators, the earliest that the instrument can therefore legally proceed to commence is on the 13th October 2026.
In terms of application, once the amendment commences, it will form part of the DSAPT 2002 and be read in conjunction with it, rather than overriding it.
Equal Access’ consultants have over a decade of experience in working with and applying the DSAPT to small, medium and major complex public transport projects throughout Australia. Applying the DSAPT involves varying complexities and while the new amended instrument significantly improves matters, it adds an additional layer of complexity in its application. For this reason, an experienced and accredited access consultant should be engaged from the early stages of your project to ensure that the correct DSAPT application is used, which will result in an accessible and inclusive environment for passengers with disability, which in turn will assist stakeholders with meeting their DDA obligations.
A flowchart is provided below to break down the application of the DSAPT 2002 & the DSAPT Amendment 2026, including the new rules set out in the amended instrument.
We are currently well advanced in undertaking a detailed analysis of the DSAPT Amendment 2026. To receive a copy of our section-by-section breakdown once the amendments commence, email ‘Amendment’ to office@equalaccessgroup.com.au and we will forward it to you.
To learn about the DSAPT services provided by Equal Access, please view this page. DSAPT Consulting Services
contact us