What is the Total Mobility Scheme and How to Apply?

Hira Siddiqui from Citizens Advice Bureau Pakuranga/Eastern Manukau

The Total Mobility scheme reduces the cost of taxi services for eligible people who have a permanent disability and cannot independently use regular public transport services, all or some of the time. The Scheme covers physical, sensory, neurological, psychological, mental/psychiatric, cognitive, and intellectual impairment.

You will need to get an assessment done, and each regional council sets its own criteria for the assessments.

What you can get if you are eligible:
👉 If you are eligible you will get an electronic card or vouchers that allow you to get a discount of up to a 75% on taxi rides, up to a maximum fare. The maximum fare is set by your regional council. You must use one of the approved taxi companies for the scheme.
👉 If you have a carer, you can get subsidised taxi travel for both of you when you travel together.

The scheme also provides:
* funding to scheme providers to help purchase and install wheelchair hoists
* payment to the owner of the wheelchair accessible vehicle for each Total Mobility scheme member who requires the use of a wheelchair hoist or ramp.

How to apply:
Contact your regional council to apply to be part of the Total Mobility Scheme. Each region in New Zealand has different rules, so you need to check with your local council and find out what their rules are.

Info credit: Citizens Advice Bureau New Zealand: cab.org.nz
Image credit: New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA)