Designing Nosing Strips and TGSIs for Train Stations: Which Standard Should You Follow?
When designing public transport infrastructure—especially high-traffic environments like train stations—nosing strips and TGSIs (Tactile Ground Surface Indicators) play a critical role in safety, wayfinding, and accessibility for all passengers. Yet one of the most common questions designers and project teams grapple with is:
“Do we follow the older standards (AS 1428.1-2001) or the newer AS 1428.1-2021?”
Why the Confusion Exists
Public transport infrastructure sits at the intersection of two regulatory frameworks:
- NCC (National Construction Code)
- Part D (Access and Egress) now references AS 1428.1-2021, applying to the built environment generally.
- Part I2 (Access Provisions) still references the previous versions of AS 1428.1, particularly in relation to public transport premises and certain legacy applications.
- DSAPT (Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport)
- It directly references AS 1428.1-2001 and AS 1428.2-1992 for many technical requirements, including TGSIs, stairs, ramps and platform edges.
Because DSAPT is Commonwealth legislation, its requirements must be met for public transport infrastructure—even where they differ from the NCC.
This overlap means many designers are unsure which version governs nosings and TGSIs in a train station setting.
At Inclusify Access, we’ve supported designers, architects, engineers, and project teams for over a decade, helping them navigate these exact challenges. Here’s what you need to know.
NCC Part I2 and DSAPT calls for the previous version of Australian Standards for public transport and Part D calls for newer version of Australian Standards for built environment.
So, which standard to be applied?
For areas covered by NCC Part I2 (Access Provisions for Public Transport):
Older versions of AS 1428.1 may still be triggered depending on whether the area is considered a “public transport building” or a conventional building.
This is why a blanket answer is not appropriate. Each area of the station—platforms, stairs, link bridges, concourses, escalator approaches, ticketing zones, interchange pathways—must be assessed individually.
The right approach requires careful interpretation of:
- DSAPT requirements
- NCC Part D and Part I2
- Relevant AS 1428.1 versions
- Manufacturer data for nosing’s and TGSIs
Integration with other standards such as AS/NZS 1428.4.1
The Risks of Applying the Wrong Standard
Using the wrong standard can lead to:
- TGSI layouts that do not align with DSAPT requirements
- Nosing strips sized to incorrect Australian Standards
- Luminance contrast that fails to meet the required measurement method
- Inconsistent outcomes between refurbishments and new builds
- Costly rework late in the construction phase
- Non-conformance with Commonwealth legislation (DSAPT), which may expose operators to complaints or enforcement action
Given the safety implications, particularly for passengers with low vision, getting this right is essential.
How Inclusify Access Can Support Your Project
With more than 10 years’ experience in the transport and built environment sectors, Inclusify Access assists project teams by:
- interpreting and applying the correct standards in the correct context
- reviewing TGSI and stair nosing designs for compliance
- ensuring alignment between NCC Part D, NCC Part I2 and DSAPT
- advising on product selection and luminance contrast
- supporting projects from concept through construction and final certification
Early involvement avoids unnecessary redesigns and ensures the final built outcome is safe, compliant and consistent with regulatory expectations.
If you are designing nosing strips or TGSIs for a train station and are unsure which standard applies, expert guidance early in the process can prevent delays and costly changes later on.
Inclusify Access is available to support your team with technical interpretation, detailed reviews and end-to-end accessibility guidance.