The subsidy

If you qualify, you can get a 65% discount on fares for door-to-door transport services, such as taxis.

The discount only applies up to a ‘fare cap’ — the maximum subsidised fare. If your trip costs more than this, you pay the rest.

Fare caps are set by public transport authorities and vary between regions.

Examples of fare caps and discounts

Example 1 — trip costs less than the cap:

• Taxi fare: $30
• Fare cap in your region: $40
• Discount: $19.50 (65% of $30)
• You pay: $10.50

Example 2 — trip costs more than the cap:

• Taxi fare: $100
• Fare cap in your region: $80
• Discount: $52 (65% of the $80 fare cap)
• You pay: $48

These are just examples. For more information about fare caps, check with the public transport authority in your area.

The subsidy is funded by local and central government.

NZ Transport Agency | Waka Kotahi has more information about how the Total Mobility scheme works:

Travelling with a disability | NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

Who can get the discount

To qualify, a person must have a disability that stops them from doing one or more parts of a public transport journey in an independent, safe and dignified manner. This includes:

• getting to the place from where the transport departs
• getting onto the transport
• riding securely
• getting off the transport
• getting to the destination.

There may be other requirements depending on where you live.

For more information about eligibility, check with the public transport authority in your area.

How to get a Total Mobility card

To join the Total Mobility scheme, you’ll need to complete an assessment that confirms your eligibility.

This assessment must be done by an approved Total Mobility agency (for example, Age Concern or CCS Disability Action). Some agencies may charge a fee — ask about this when you book your appointment.

If you qualify, you’ll receive a Total Mobility ID card to show to approved taxi and transport operators.

For more information about how to apply, check with the public transport authority in your area.

How Total Mobility works in your region

The Total Mobility scheme operates nationwide, but it’s managed locally by public transport authorities.

Some rules are the same everywhere, but others vary, such as the maximum discount available and the application process.

To find out how the scheme works in your region, check with your local public transport authority:

North Island

South Island

If you’re not eligible

If do not qualify for the Total Mobility scheme, you may still be eligible for other transport related financial help from the government such as:

• mobility parking
• vehicle modification funding
• special disability allowances.

Financial help for people with a disability or illness