We are proposing to:
- clarify Total Mobility's purpose and make eligibility assessments more consistent. We don't want to change who can get Total Mobility, but we want a clearer purpose statement and to strengthen the process to enter the scheme – strengthening evidence requirements and more regular checks that people still qualify for the scheme.
- introduce more targeted support allocations for Total Mobility. This includes ways to incentivise more wheelchair accessible trips and options to limit the number of subsidised trips a user can take, whether that's the same number of subsidised trips for everyone, or a lower initial subsidised trips that is increased depending on individual need.
- promote innovation in how Total Mobility is delivered. This includes enabling new types of providers to enter the scheme, such as ride-hail services like Uber and other forms of transport to meet the needs of Total Mobility users. We're still seeking feedback on what is needed to make sure new types of providers are still safe and accessible for Total Mobility users. We're also seeking feedback on introducing a national public transport concession for people with disabilities.
What is Total Mobility?
The Total Mobility scheme helps people with long-term impairments travel when they cannot use public transport on their own. It pays part of the cost for taxis and sometimes other transport, making it easier for users to meet daily needs and take part in their community.
Why are you reviewing Total Mobility?
The Government will keep funding Total Mobility, but as demand grows, we need to make sure the scheme reaches those who need it most. The review will look at short-term improvements and possible longer-term changes, keeping in mind funding is limited.
Why have you reduced the subsidy from 75 percent to 65 percent?
The cost of running Total Mobility has increased since the fare subsidy was raised to 75 percent in 2022.
More people are using the scheme and taking more trips, which means funding is under pressure. Reducing the subsidy by 10 percent will ensure the continued viability of the scheme.
The subsidy will change to 65 percent from 1 July 2026.
Provide feedback
We welcome your feedback and comments on the proposals in the Total Mobility Discussion Document.
Anyone can give feedback. You can provide feedback on behalf of yourself, another individual, a group, or an organisation. There are several ways you can provide feedback:
- You can provide feedback through an online survey hosted on Accessible Surveys – this survey will allow you to provide feedback in accessible formats (please note, not all accessible formats will be available until January 2026). Take the survey here: Proposals to strengthen Total Mobility (accessiblesurveys.com)
- You can also provide written feedback to us by filling in the below feedback form, which can either be emailed to us at totalmobilityreview@transport.govt.nz or posted to:
Total Mobility Consultation
Ministry of Transport
PO Box 3175
Wellington 6140
Read the Total Mobility Discussion Document
Large Print:
Email us to be notified of upcoming online meeting dates
We are proposing to:
- clarify Total Mobility's purpose and make eligibility assessments more consistent. We don't want to change who can get Total Mobility, but we want a clearer purpose statement and to strengthen the process to enter the scheme – strengthening evidence requirements and more regular checks that people still qualify for the scheme.
- introduce more targeted support allocations for Total Mobility. This includes ways to incentivise more wheelchair accessible trips and options to limit the number of subsidised trips a user can take, whether that's the same number of subsidised trips for everyone, or a lower initial subsidised trips that is increased depending on individual need.
- promote innovation in how Total Mobility is delivered. This includes enabling new types of providers to enter the scheme, such as ride-hail services like Uber and other forms of transport to meet the needs of Total Mobility users. We're still seeking feedback on what is needed to make sure new types of providers are still safe and accessible for Total Mobility users. We're also seeking feedback on introducing a national public transport concession for people with disabilities.
What is Total Mobility?
The Total Mobility scheme helps people with long-term impairments travel when they cannot use public transport on their own. It pays part of the cost for taxis and sometimes other transport, making it easier for users to meet daily needs and take part in their community.
Why are you reviewing Total Mobility?
The Government will keep funding Total Mobility, but as demand grows, we need to make sure the scheme reaches those who need it most. The review will look at short-term improvements and possible longer-term changes, keeping in mind funding is limited.
Why have you reduced the subsidy from 75 percent to 65 percent?
The cost of running Total Mobility has increased since the fare subsidy was raised to 75 percent in 2022.
More people are using the scheme and taking more trips, which means funding is under pressure. Reducing the subsidy by 10 percent will ensure the continued viability of the scheme.
The subsidy will change to 65 percent from 1 July 2026.
Provide feedback
We welcome your feedback and comments on the proposals in the Total Mobility Discussion Document.
Anyone can give feedback. You can provide feedback on behalf of yourself, another individual, a group, or an organisation. There are several ways you can provide feedback:
- You can provide feedback through an online survey hosted on Accessible Surveys – this survey will allow you to provide feedback in accessible formats (please note, not all accessible formats will be available until January 2026). Take the survey here: Proposals to strengthen Total Mobility (accessiblesurveys.com)
- You can also provide written feedback to us by filling in the below feedback form, which can either be emailed to us at totalmobilityreview@transport.govt.nz or posted to:
Total Mobility Consultation
Ministry of Transport
PO Box 3175
Wellington 6140
Read the Total Mobility Discussion Document
Large Print:
Email us to be notified of upcoming online meeting dates