Transport Access Program

The Transport Access Program (TAP) is an ongoing NSW government initiative to coordinate various public transport projects. It aims to improve access and safety around the public transport system by building or upgrading key facilities such as ramps, lifts and commuter carparks. The initiative began in 2011 and is currently on its third tranche (TAP 3).

History

In December 2012 the Disability Action Plan 2012-2017 was released by Transport for NSW. The document details actions the government would take over the following four years to "ensure the needs of the customer are at the center of planning and decision making". A key part of this plan was the Transport Access Program, with $770 million allocated over the length of the plan. According to the document: "[The program] brings together a number of programs to provide commuters with easily accessible transport services, to increase connectivity between transport modes and provide improved safety and amenity for all passengers." Seven programs were consolidated, namely:

• Easy Access - to provide commuters with easily accessible stations and to comply with Transport Standards.
• Station Upgrades - including major station upgrades and station makeovers and fencing works. The objective of this component is to ensure stations have adequate capacity to meet future growth or support urban renewal.
• Interchange Upgrades - focusing on works that increase connectivity between transport modes.
• Ferry Wharves Upgrades - to improve amenities for commuters, improve wharf efficiency and comply with Transport Standards.
• Wayfinding and Signage - to facilitate the ease of customer journeys by standardising and improving the information available, including Transport Standards compliance.
• Commuter Carparks - to increase the functionality of interchanges by providing improved commuter car parking in strategic locations.
• Park and Travel Safety Fund - to increase customer and staff security and safety at station facilities.