Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021–2031 Outcomes Framework: First annual report

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, 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 2022).

Barriers to accessing public transport include inaccessible travel information, inadequate disability car parking, inaccessible stops and stations, as well as discriminatory or abusive behaviour by staff or members of the public (DRC 2018).

The desired population outcome for this measure is that more people with disability can access transport in their community.

Results at baseline: 2018

• In 2018, approximately 2 in 3 (66%) people with disability, aged 5 and over, could use all forms of public transport with no difficulty.
• The proportion of people with disability who could use all forms of public transport with no difficulty increased between 2012 and 2015 (from 64% to 66%) but remained the same in 2018 (66%) (Figure 3.8).
• A greater proportion of males with disability (70%) than females with disability (63%) could use all forms of public transport with no difficulty.
• The youngest (5–14 years) and oldest age groups (65 years and over) had the lowest proportions of people with disability who could use all forms of public transport with no difficulty (45% and 63%, respectively). There was no real difference between the age groups 15–24, 25–44 and 45–64 (71%, 75% and 72%, respectively).
• A lower proportion of people with severe or profound disability could use all forms of public transport with no difficulty (25%) than people with other disability (83%).

Latest results

Updated data are not yet available for this measure. New data from the 2022 ABS SDAC are expected to be available in the first half of 2024 and included in the 2024 annual report.

Things to consider when interpreting results

• The measure does not include people with disability who are not living in households or who do not leave their home at all.

For the latest data and breakdowns of the data, see Australia’s Disability Strategy Outcomes Framework | Public transport usability.

References

AIHW (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare) (2022) ‘Activities people need help with’, People with disability in Australia, AIHW, Australian Government, accessed 14 September 2022.

Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021–2031 (2021), Department of Social Services, Australian Government, accessed 2 August 2022.

DRC (Disability Resources Centre) (2018) Transport for all, DRC, accessed 14 September 2022.