Total Mobility scheme

The Total Mobility scheme provides subsidised door-to-door taxi services for people who cannot use public transport due to a disability. It’s funded in partnership by local and central government.

The subsidy — 75% off up to a maximum amount

Eligible people can receive a 75% subsidy on the total fare, up to a maximum amount per trip. This maximum is set by each regional council (or Auckland Transport) and may vary by region or city.

Table 1: Example trips with a $37.50 maximum subsidy
Example trip (one-way) Total fare Subsidy Fare you pay
Going to the supermarket $20.00 $15.00 $5.00
Visiting a friend $50.00 $37.50 $12.50
Getting to the airport $70.00 $37.50 $32.50

The maximum subsidy shown here is just an example. For actual values in your region or city, see the guide on the New Zealand Transport Association (NZTA) website.

Total Mobility around NZ: a regional guide — NZTA

How to apply for the scheme

Who is eligible

To qualify, a person must have a disability that stops them from doing 1 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.

How to apply

The application process may vary by region but usually you need to:

  1. Contact your regional council (or Auckland Transport) or a council approved disability assessment agency
  2. Fill out an application form with your personal details
  3. Have an assessment of your disability — by a council approved assessment agency (for example, CCS Disability Action or Age Concern)
  4. Get a photo taken for an electronic card.

For a list of approved disability assessment providers contact your regional council (or Auckland Transport). Contact details can be found on the NZTA website.

Total Mobility around New Zealand: a regional guide — NZTA

Travelling with Total Mobility

Total Mobility electronic cards or vouchers

After the council (or Auckland Transport) approves your application, they’ll give you either an electronic card or a book of paper vouchers.

Travelling to a region without electronic card support

Some regions do not support the use of electronic cards and you must arrange paper vouchers.

Contact your regional council (or Auckland Transport) at least 10 days before your planned trip. This gives them enough time to post the vouchers if needed.

Electronic card or voucher expiry

In some regions, electronic cards or vouchers may have an expiry date. Check the details with your regional council (or Auckland Transport).

Lost, stolen or damaged electronic cards or vouchers

If your electronic card or vouchers get lost, stolen or damaged, contact your regional council (or Auckland Transport) for a replacement.

How to take a trip

The process may differ slightly per region but generally you would:

  1. Contact an approved Total Mobility taxi operator to book a trip
  2. Give your electronic card or voucher to the driver at the start of the trip
  3. Pay the discounted amount to the driver at the end of the trip
  4. Keep a copy of your receipt for the ride.

For a list of approved transport operators contact your regional council (or Auckland Transport) or view a list on the NZTA website.

Total Mobility around New Zealand: a regional guide — NZTA

Other important things to know

Fees and fares

Fees for application, eligibility assessments and use of the Total Mobility service may differ depending on the:

  • regional council (or Auckland Transport) you submit an application to
  • agency you use to assess your disability
  • region or city you’re using the scheme in (maximum subsidy)
  • transport operator you make a booking with.

Waiting time charges for taxi services are not currently subsidised under the Total Mobility scheme.

Wheelchair accessibility

You may need to pre-book a wheelchair accessible vehicle. Not all transport operators have wheelchair hoists. Check with your chosen transport operator in advance.

Service coverage

Some areas in a region may have limited or no services available. Some regional councils (or Auckland Transport) may also limit Total Mobility applications to residents of that area. Check with your regional council.

If you’re not eligible for the Total Mobility scheme

You may still be eligible for other transport related financial help from the NZ government such as:

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

Financial help for people with a disability or illness

Utility links and page information

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