For people with disabilities, accessing public transport can be a daunting task. In Brisbane, 1022 bus stops are still not compliant with disability access standards.
These stops often lack essential features like tactile ground surface indicators, ramps, and sufficient space for wheelchair manoeuvring. This oversight makes it difficult, if not impossible, for some individuals to use public transportation, limiting their independence and mobility.
That’s 18% of bus stops across Brisbane, making life harder for those with disabilities, as well as those with prams, bikes and other more of transport.
Unfortunately, the stats make the problem sound better than it is. Despite majority of bus stops meeting compliance, they aren’t practical for those in a wheelchair or even pushing a pram.
There are dozens, if not hundreds, of bus stops across Brisbane that do not have appropriate footpath connections and infrastructure built around them. This means they’re not suitable for wheelchair users despite technically meeting DDA compliance.
Despite the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) of 1992 and subsequent standards set out in 2002, progress has been slow. Council have been working on upgrading stops, but the pace has not matched the growing demand for accessible infrastructure. The gap between policy and practice is evident, with many stops still falling short of the required standards.
This issue isn’t just about compliance; it’s about equality and dignity. A non-compliant bus stop sends a message that people with disabilities are an afterthought rather than a priority. For a city aiming to be inclusive and forward-thinking, this is a significant shortfall.
Brisbane City Council has been rolling out upgrades to bring more stops into compliance, with a focus on key routes and high-traffic areas. But with over 4,000 bus stops in the city, it’s a massive task that will take time.
The conversation around disability access in public transport is ongoing, and it’s clear that more needs to be done. For Brisbane to truly be a city for everyone, ensuring that all bus stops are disability compliant isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity.
