TAP 3
Status
The Transport Access Program (TAP) is a NSW Government initiative delivering safe, modern and accessible public transport infrastructure across the state, improving access to public transport for people with disability or limited mobility, and parents and carers with prams.
More than $2.2 billion has been invested in the Transport Access Program to fund accessibility upgrades at stations, create better transport interchanges and build car parks, supporting an integrated transport network and seamless transfers for all customers.
As of 15 March 2024, more than 72 percent of suburban, intercity, Metro and regional stations are independently accessible.
In February 2024, the NSW Government announced a new program, which combines TAP and CCP, named Safe Accessible Transport. See the Safe Accessible Transport program webpage for detail on future accessibility upgrades.
Why accessibility upgrades are needed
Transport values all our customers and is working towards building a transport network which allows all passengers to have equal access to its benefits. There are a number of initiatives across NSW, focused on ensuring we deliver equal service to all customers, regardless of disability, socioeconomic circumstance or location.
Our approach to achieving equal access to our network is underpinned by legislation.
As an operator of public transport under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA), Transport for NSW is required to upgrade the public transport precincts to ensure equitable access is provided for all customers.
Some public transport stations, wharves and stops do not currently meet the requirements of the federal Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 (DSAPT).
The Standards set out minimum accessibility requirements for public transport providers and ensure that people with disability have equivalent access to public transport services.
Upgrading public transport precincts will make the public transport network accessible to people with a range of disabilities, parents/carers with prams and customers with luggage. Transport continues to work towards, and remains committed to meeting DSAPT compliance targets. While significant investment and work continues, Transport acknowledges the scheduled 2022 compliance target for infrastructure accessibility has not been completed in full.The significant scale of the NSW public transport network and the technical and financial constraints upgrading legacy infrastructure, while maintaining operational capacity, has added complexities to meeting the prescriptive compliance requirements under DSAPT. The NSW Government has invested more than $2.2 billion and completed more than 520 upgrades under the Transport Access Program.
A copy of the standards can be accessed on the website of the Commonwealth Attorney-General's Department. Further information about the Standards can be found on the website of the Australian Human Rights Commission.
Location prioritisation
Transport for NSW determines the priority of upgrades using evidence-based criteria, including:
- Current and future patronage
- The needs and demographics of customers who use the location
- Whether important services such as hospitals or educational facilities are nearby
- Cumulative impacts of other construction projects
- The accessibility of other nearby transport interchanges and facilities
The list of upgrades is regularly reviewed so the people of NSW can have confidence that upgrades are delivered where they are needed most.
How we prioritise upgrades
Step 1: Refine
Remove from consideration stations that are already wheelchair accessible, where upgrade work is underway, and where upgrades are being funded and delivered through other programs. For instance, many station accessibility upgrades will take place as part of Sydney Metro construction works.
Step 2: Score against Criteria
Score each station against evaluation criteria, including OPAL data, an area’s demographics and expected future growth. The station’s proximity to schools and hospitals is also considered as these would generate a higher demand for accessible transport.
Step 3: Evaluate Commercial Potential
Review commercial development potential of prioritised stations. This is to ensure that, where applicable, an upgrade is delivered as part of a planned commercial development. This frees up TAP funding to be allocated to another priority location.
Step 4: Further Analysis
Conduct on-the-ground investigations to identify any constraints that could affect costs, such as the relocation of underground services. Cost estimates are then developed based on upgrade plans that comply with the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport (DSAPT). This step can alter the Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) and therefore the location’s priority. This step helps maximise the benefits delivered through the TAP program so that there is value for money in each project undertaken.
Step 5: Prioritisation across transport networks/modes
Identify the opportunity to realise value-for-money by prioritising stations that are adjacent to other transport modes already earmarked for upgrades, such as bus interchanges or ferry wharves. The whole-of-life costs for operations and maintenance is also considered as part of this assessment.
Step 6: Alignment
Prioritised stations are considered against other Transport programs, such as safety upgrades, to identify opportunities to incorporate accessibility improvements into these projects. Where this does not make sense, steps are taken to ensure projects don’t create new accessibility issues.
Step 7: Gap Analysis
For interchanges that are not fully compliant with DSAPT beyond the scope of TAP3, consider other programs that could fund necessary upgrades. The findings of a comprehensive DSAPT audit will be used to guide the priorities for future TAP tranches.
Step 8: Operational interventions
Consider whether future technological or operational developments may change customer behaviour. For instance, On Demand services that pick up and drop off a customer directly at their destination may change the disability profile of a station.
TAP 3 - 2019 - 2024
The third tranche of the Transport Access Program, known as TAP 3, seeks to improve access to public transport for those with a disability, limited mobility or parents with prams.
The 2022/23 budget announced $240.2 million in capital expenditure has been allocated to continue the upgrade of train stations under the Program ($342.4 million over four years).
Stimulus Funding (TAP3)
In 2020, additional funding was announced to accelerate upgrades at five train stations under the TAP – Doonside, Turrella, Killara, Junee and Cootamundra – creating around 400 jobs.
Sydney Trains Stations
Note, estimated project completion times are subject to change.
Station | Status | Project Completion |
Complete | 2022 | |
Complete | 2021 | |
Complete | 2021 | |
Complete | 2021 | |
Complete | 2021 | |
Under construction | 2024 | |
Complete | 2021 | |
Complete | 2023 | |
Complete | 2023 | |
Complete | 2022 | |
Complete | 2023 | |
Complete | 2023 | |
Complete | 2020 | |
Complete | 2023 | |
Complete | 2020 | |
Complete | 2021 | |
Complete | 2023 | |
Complete | 2023 | |
Complete | 2021 | |
Complete | 2023 | |
Complete | 2023 | |
Complete | 2023 | |
Complete | 2024 | |
Complete | 2022 | |
Complete | 2024 | |
Complete | 2020 | |
Complete | 2022 | |
Complete | 2022 |
Intercity Train Stations
Station | Status | Project completion |
Complete | 2023 | |
Complete | 2023 | |
Complete | 2024 | |
Complete | 2020 | |
Complete | 2021 | |
Complete | 2020 | |
Complete | 2021 | |
Complete | 2021 | |
Complete | 2020 | |
Complete | 2021 | |
Complete | 2021 | |
Complete | 2021 | |
Complete | 2021 | |
Complete | 2021 | |
Complete | 2021 | |
Complete | 2022 | |
Complete | 2023 | |
Complete | 2023 | |
Complete | 2020 | |
Complete | 2020 |
Tuggerah and Moss Vale Station Upgrades are being delivered as part of the Safe Accessible Transport program.
Regional Network
Complete | 2021 | |
Complete | 2021 | |
Complete | 2023 | |
Complete | 2022 | |
Complete | 2024 | |
Complete | 2023 | |
Deferred to Safe Accessible Transport program | TBC | |
Complete | 2022 | |
Complete | 2022 | |
Complete | 2022 | |
Complete | 2022 | |
Complete | 2021 | |
Deferred to Safe Accessible Transport program | TBC | |
Complete | 2023 | |
Complete | 2021 |
Sydney Ferries
Design and planning |
| |
Complete | 2023 | |
Deferred to Safe Accessible Transport program | 2024 | |
Kirribilli | Preliminary investigation |
|
Complete | 2020 | |
Kurraba Point | Preliminary investigation |
|
Preliminary investigation |
| |
Complete | 2022 | |
Old Cremorne | Preliminary investigation |
|
Deferred to Safe Accessible Transport program | 2024 | |
Complete | 2023 | |
Preliminary investigation |
| |
Complete | 2020 |