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

Banksia

Complete

2022

Beecroft

Complete

2021

Bexley North

Complete

2021

Birrong

Complete

2021

Canley Vale

Complete

2021

Clarendon

Under construction

2024

Como

Complete

2021 

Denistone

Complete

2023

Doonside

Complete

2023

East Hills

Complete

2022 

Erskineville

Complete

2023

Killara

Complete

2023

Kingswood

Complete

2020

Normanhurst

Complete

2023

North Strathfield

Complete

2020

Petersham

Complete

2021

Pymble

Complete

2023

Redfern

Complete

2023

Roseville

Complete

2021

St Peters

Complete

2023

Stanmore

Complete

2023

Thornleigh

Complete

2023

Turrella

Complete

2024

Wahroonga

Complete

2022

Waitara

Complete

2024

Warrawee

Complete

2020

Wollstonecraft

Complete

2022

Yagoona

Complete

2022

 

Intercity Train Stations

Station

Status

Project completion

Bellambi

Complete

2023

Blackheath

Complete

2023

Dapto

Complete

2024

Fairy Meadow

Complete

2020 

Faulconbridge

Complete

2021

Glenbrook

Complete

2020 

Goulburn

Complete

2021  

Hawkesbury River

Complete

2021

Hazelbrook

Complete

2020 

Lapstone

Complete

2021 

Lisarow

Complete

2021

Mittagong

Complete

2021 

Narara

Complete

2021

Niagara Park

Complete

2021

Ourimbah

Complete

2021

Point Clare

Complete

2022

Towradgi

Complete

2023

Unanderra

Complete

2023

Waratah

Complete

2020

Wyee

Complete

2020

Tuggerah and Moss Vale Station Upgrades are being delivered as part of the Safe Accessible Transport program.

Regional Network

Armidale

Complete

2021 

Blayney

Complete

2021

Casino

Complete

2023

Cootamundra

Complete

2022

Dubbo

Complete

2024

Grafton

Complete

2023

Griffith

Deferred to Safe Accessible Transport program

TBC

Gunnedah

Complete

2022

Junee

Complete

2022

Moree

Complete

2022

Narrabri

Complete

2022

Parkes

Complete

2021 

Queanbeyan

Deferred to Safe Accessible Transport program

TBC

Taree

Complete

2023

Wauchope

Complete

2021 

Sydney Ferries

 

Darling Point

Design and planning

 

Double Bay

Complete

2023

Greenwich Point

Deferred to Safe Accessible Transport program

2024

Kirribilli

Preliminary investigation

 

Kissing Point

Complete

2020 

Kurraba Point

Preliminary investigation

 

Manly Wharf 3

Preliminary investigation

 

North Sydney

Complete

2022

Old Cremorne

Preliminary investigation

 

South Mosman

Deferred to Safe Accessible Transport program

2024

Taronga Zoo

Complete

2023

Watsons Bay

Preliminary investigation

 

Woolwich

Complete

2020