Transport system accessibility
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Being able to use public, private and community transport to move around the community underpins all aspects of life. Accessibility of transport systems includes the transport itself, its entry points, getting to and from the transport, and information to support the journey (for example, wayfinding and signage, hearing loops and alerting devices). People with disability should also have equal access to emerging technology and transport options (for example, rideshare) (Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021–2031).
Public transport usability
Mobility limitations and difficulties using public or private transport can make it difficult for people with disability to get to the places they need to go. Accessible transport options, mobility aids and assistance are important to ensure that people with disability can participate in society equally and independently (AIHW 2024).
Barriers to accessing public transport include inaccessible travel information, lack of hearing assistance, inadequate disability car parking, inaccessible stops and stations, as well as discriminatory or abusive behaviour by staff or members of the public (Disability Resources Centre 2018).
The desired population outcome for this measure is that more people with disability can access transport in their community.
Population measure: Proportion of people with disability who can use all forms of public transport with no difficulty
Desired outcome: Increase in the proportion
Data source: ABS SDAC
This measure will be replaced in the future when available data are improved. During the life of the Strategy, this measure will be replaced by ‘Proportion of people with disability who can access public or private transport when needed’.
Latest results: 2022
- In 2022, 63% of people with disability could use all forms of public transport with no difficulty. This was 3.4 percentage points lower than the proportion of people with disability in 2018 who could use all forms of public transport with no difficulty (66%), indicating a regress (Figure 3.7).
Latest results: 62.9% (2022)
Baseline: 66.3% (2018)
Progress status: Regress
Figure 3.7: Proportion of people with disability who can use all forms of public transport with no difficulty in the past 12 months
The data in the graph and the table below show the proportion of people with disability (aged 5 and over) who can use all forms of public transport with no difficulty. Data from 2012 to 2022 are used. In 2022, 63% of people with disability could use all forms of public transport with no difficulty, and 64% in 2012.
| Year | % of people with disability who have no difficulty using public transport | 95% Confidence Interval |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 64% | (63.4%–65.4%) |
| 2015 | 66% | (65.4%–67.3%) |
| 2018 | 66% | (65.2%–67.4%) |
| 2022 | 63% | (61.3%–64.5%) |
Note: Restricted to people with disability aged 5 and over living in households who leave home.
Sources:
- ABS (Australian Bureau of Statistics) 2024. Microdata: Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers, Australia, 2022, ABS, AIHW analysis of detailed microdata in DataLab, accessed 6 September 2024.
- ABS 2019. Microdata: Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers, Australia, 2018, ABS cat. no. 4430.0.30.002, ABS, AIHW analysis of detailed microdata in DataLab, accessed 19 July 2022.
- ABS 2016. Microdata: Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers, Australia, 2015, ABS cat. no. 4430.0.30.002, ABS, AIHW analysis of detailed microdata in DataLab, accessed 19 July 2022.
- ABS 2013. Microdata: Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers, Australia, 2012, ABS cat. no. 4430.0.30.002, ABS, AIHW analysis of detailed microdata in DataLab, accessed 19 July 2022.
Source:
Australian Bureau of Statistics – Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers
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Data source overview
For figure notes, see Appendix C: Figure notes and sources.
For the latest data and breakdowns of the data, see Australia’s Disability Strategy Outcomes Framework | Public transport usability.
AIHW (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare) (2024) ‘Activities people need help with’, People with disability in Australia, AIHW, Australian Government, accessed 25 July 2024.
Disability Resources Centre (2018) Transport for all, Disability Resources Centre, accessed 5 September 2023.
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