TAP 3

About the program

The Transport Access Program (TAP) is a NSW Government initiative delivering safe, modern and accessible public transport infrastructure across the state.

More than $2 billion has been invested in the Transport Access Program since 2011 to fund accessibility upgrades at stations, create better transport interchanges and build car parks.

Almost 90 per cent of transport customer journeys begin from locations now accessible to people with a disability, those with limited mobility and parents with prams. Other upgrades have been undertaken to support an integrated transport network and seamless transfers for all customers.

Working with local businesses in regional NSW

Planning is currently underway for accessibility upgrades at 11 regional train stations including Casino, Dubbo, Grafton, Griffith, Gunnedah, Narrabri, Moree, Queanbeyan, Taree, Junee and Cootamundra.



Local businesses and suppliers are currently being encouraged to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to construct the station upgrades. Click here for further information.

Why accessibility upgrades are needed

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 additional mobility requirements, parents/carers with prams and customers with luggage.

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.

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.

The current progress of TAP 3 upgrades at individual stations is listed below.

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.

Delivery of Regional Projects

Upgrade work on the regional network has been planned to support Transport for NSW’s Regional NSW Services and Infrastructure Plan, which recognises regional cities as central hubs for services, employment and social interaction. The priority of work seeks to improve DSAPT compliance at locations underlying the “hub and spoke” transport network, as set out within the Future Transport Strategy 2056.

Other factors that drive selection and upgrades

We regularly seek stakeholder and community feedback when planning our projects, which can affect aspects such as the design, and therefore the timing, of upgrades.

Early planning stages of the eight-step process seek to anticipate all factors that may have a bearing on an upgrade. Ongoing oversight and regular reviews are undertaken to ensure any emerging impact from other development projects or funding availability is properly considered within the delivery timeline.

TAP3

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 2018/19 budget announced a further $882 million will be invested in the Transport Access Program over the forward estimates. The status of upgrades under that funding is indicated below:

Sydney Trains Stations - TAP 3 (2019-2023)

T1 North Shore, Northern & Western Line

T1 Richmond

T2 Inner West & Leppington Line

T3 Bankstown Line

T4 Eastern Suburbs & Illawarra

T5 Cumberland Line

T8 Airport & South Line

Intercity Train Stations - TAP 3 (2019-2023)

Regional Network - TAP 3 (2019-2023)

Estimated project completion times are subject to change. A construction schedule will be developed for the project once planning approval has been received and a construction contractor appointed. 

Sydney Ferries - TAP 3 (2019-2023)