Disability & Accessibility Transport Policy
Private Charter & Coach Services — New South Wales | Sydney Charter Bus Pty Ltd
| Issued by | Sydney Charter Bus Pty Ltd (trading as Sydney Charter Bus Australia) | ABN: 44 134 888 912 |
| Accreditation | NSW Accreditation No. 39461 — Transport for NSW Bus Operator Accreditation Scheme (BOAS) |
| Service type | Private charter transport — not a regular route public transport service |
| Legislative framework | Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) | Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 (Cth) | Work Health & Safety Act 2011 (NSW) |
| Review | Reviewed periodically in line with legislative updates, operational requirements and market demand |
1. Purpose
This policy outlines the accessibility position of Sydney Charter Bus Pty Ltd in relation to passengers with disabilities, mobility aids, and wheelchair requirements. It is intended to provide transparency, manage client expectations, and ensure compliance with applicable Australian legislation.
2. Regulatory Context
Sydney Charter Bus Pty Ltd operates as a private charter transport provider, not a regular route public transport service. Accordingly, the following legislative framework applies:
| ◆ | Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) |
| ◆ | Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 (Cth) |
The Disability Standards primarily apply to public transport services with staged compliance requirements. Private charter services are not subject to identical compliance thresholds; however, obligations under anti-discrimination law still apply to ensure services are delivered reasonably and without unlawful discrimination.
3. Company Position on Accessible Vehicles
Sydney Charter Bus Pty Ltd does not operate wheelchair-accessible vehicles, including buses fitted with the following equipment:
| ✗ | Hydraulic lifts |
| ✗ | Ramps for wheelchair boarding |
| ✗ | Fixed wheelchair restraint systems |
4. Operational Scope — Mobility Aids
Permitted — subject to conditions
The following mobility aids may be accommodated and securely stored in under-coach luggage compartments:
| ✓ | Collapsible wheelchairs |
| ✓ | Folding walkers |
| ✓ | Lightweight mobility aids that can be manually stored |
Not Permitted
The following items cannot be transported under any circumstances:
| ✗ | Motorised wheelchairs or mobility scooters |
| ✗ | Non-collapsible or oversized mobility aids |
| ✗ | Any device exceeding safe manual handling limits |
5. Passenger Requirements
Passengers travelling with mobility aids must meet the following conditions:
| ✓ | Must be independently mobile, or travelling with a capable carer or support person |
| ✓ | Must be able to board and alight the vehicle safely without mechanical assistance |
| ✗ | Must not require the driver to provide physical lifting or manual handling assistance |
Drivers are not authorised to physically lift passengers. This prohibition exists due to workplace safety obligations under the Work Health & Safety Act 2011 (NSW) and applies without exception.
6. Commercial & Operational Constraints
The absence of wheelchair-accessible vehicles in the Sydney Charter Bus Australia fleet is based on demonstrable operational, financial, and compliance considerations:
| Fleet & Financial Viability |
| High capital cost to purchase or retrofit accessible vehicles |
| Reduced seating capacity, impacting commercial viability per charter |
| Low and inconsistent demand without long-term contracted work |
| Maintenance & Reliability |
| Higher maintenance requirements for lifts and accessibility systems |
| Increased risk of mechanical failure leading to vehicle downtime |
| Additional depot infrastructure and storage considerations |
| Operational Impact |
| Extended boarding and disembarkation times |
| Increased risk of service delays affecting itineraries and contractual obligations |
| More complex scheduling, dispatch, and fleet allocation requirements |
| Compliance & Risk Exposure |
| Additional compliance obligations under transport accessibility standards |
| Higher insurance premiums and liability exposure |
| Requirement for specialised driver training in accessibility equipment and passenger handling |
7. Safety & Duty of Care
Sydney Charter Bus Pty Ltd prioritises the following safety obligations across all services:
| ✓ | Passenger safety at all times and across all service types |
| ✓ | Driver safety and compliance with manual handling requirements |
| ✓ | Compliance with the Work Health & Safety Act 2011 (NSW) |
| ✓ | Compliance with NSW Bus Operator Accreditation Scheme (BOAS) Safety Management System obligations |
Manual lifting of passengers presents an unacceptable risk and is therefore strictly prohibited across all Sydney Charter Bus Australia services.
8. Alternative Arrangements
Where accessible transport is required, we recommend engaging a provider specialising in wheelchair-accessible transport services.
Upon request, we may assist in referring clients to appropriate operators; however, we do not guarantee the availability, suitability, or third-party performance of any referred service.
|
We Can Help You Find an Alternative Contact us and we will do our best to refer you to a suitable wheelchair-accessible transport provider in Sydney or NSW. |
9. Non-Discrimination Statement
Sydney Charter Bus Pty Ltd does not discriminate on the basis of disability. However, where a service cannot be delivered safely, lawfully, or within operational capability, the Company reserves the right to decline or modify a booking.
This position is consistent with the concept of “unjustifiable hardship” as defined under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth), which recognises that compliance may not always be reasonable in the context of a private charter operator’s specific operational circumstances.
10. Client Acknowledgement
By proceeding with a booking, clients acknowledge and accept the following:
| ✓ | The absence of wheelchair-accessible vehicles within the Sydney Charter Bus Australia fleet |
| ✓ | The requirement for all passengers travelling with mobility aids to be independently mobile or accompanied by a capable carer or support person |
| ✓ | The limitations regarding the transport of mobility aids as set out in Section 4 of this policy |
| ✓ | That safety and legal compliance obligations take precedence over service delivery in all circumstances |
🚫 Policy Compliance Notice
This policy is reviewed periodically in line with legislative updates, operational requirements, and market demand. Sydney Charter Bus Australia reserves the right to amend this policy at any time. The current version is always published at www.sydneycharterbus.com.au/company-policies. For accessibility enquiries prior to booking, please contact our office directly.
📞 1300 468 199 | 📱 0413 182 999 | ✉ [email protected]
Office Hours: Monday–Friday 9:30am–4:30pm | Weekends 12:00pm–2:00pm | Public Holidays: Operational — Office Closed