<p>Public transport must be more accessible for the disabled, elderly or parents with prams, according to new standards for accessibility that were tabled in Parliament this week.</p> <p>Formal public transport accessibility rules are set out for the first time and cover access paths, manoeuvring areas, ramps and boarding devices, allocated spaces, handrails, doorways, controls, symbols and signs, fare payments and provision of information.</p> <p>Public transport operators must meet the standards with all new items coming into service and will have a staggered compliance timeframe for upgrading existing equipment.</p> <p>The standards take effect on October 15 and will be reviewed within five years.</p> <br />
