Submission to the 2012 review of the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport – Jun 2013

The Commission has responsibilities under a number of laws which are relevant to the provision of public transport in Victoria. For example, the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 requires public authorities, which can include public transport operators, to act compatibly with human rights when they deliver public transport services. The Equal Opportunity Act 2010 makes it unlawful for public transport operators to discriminate in the provision of public transport services and in relation to the access to, or use of, public premises (including vehicles).

The Commission’s primary interest in the 2012 Review is to improve access to public transport for people with disabilities. Improving access to public transport is not only about improving participation in employment opportunities, goods and services, education, social and cultural life – it is ultimately about improving a person’s quality of life and upholding their right to equality.