Total Mobility
Total Mobility supports Taranaki residents with disabilities or impairments who can’t use public buses. Enjoy subsidised, door-to-door taxis and services to make every journey safe, easy and reliable.
About the Total Mobility scheme
Total Mobility is a nationwide scheme that helps eligible people access safe, dignified and accessible transport, supporting independence and participation in everyday life.
In Taranaki, eligible residents get a card that provides a subsidised rate for participating taxis and other door-to-door driving services.
Total Mobility services are delivered by approved transport operators across the region and are managed locally by Taranaki Regional Council.
What is the subsidy?
Total Mobility members receive a 75% subsidy, up to $30 per trip (75% of a $40 fare).
Members must pay the remaining portion of the fare directly to the driver. This can be paid using cash or EFTPOS.
Total Mobility eligibility
You may be eligible if you:
- Live in the Taranaki region, and
- Have an impairment or disability that affects your ability to use public transport safely and independently - either permanently or temporarily (six months or more).
To be eligible, your impairment must prevent you from completing one or more parts of a bus journey unaccompanied and without assistance, in a safe and dignified manner, including:
- Getting to or from the nearest bus stop
- Standing and waiting for a bus (where seating is not available)
- Getting on or off a bus
- Handling money or a bus ticket
- Riding securely on a bus
- Travelling without becoming confused or anxious
- Using an accessible bus, where one is available
How to apply for a Total Mobility card
To apply for a Total Mobility card, contact an approved Total Mobility assessment agency to arrange an in-person assessment. This is required to confirm your eligibility.
|
Taranaki Disability Information Centre |
|
| Assessment details |
Onsite appointments available New Plymouth |
| Assessment cost |
$17 Payment accepted onsite |
|
Age Concern Taranaki |
|
| Assessment details |
No age limit or membership required Onsite assessments in New Plymouth (Mon-Fri, 10am-1pm) Hāwera and in-home assessments available by appointment |
| Assessment cost |
$20 Payment accepted onsite |
|
Tui Ora |
|
| Assessment details |
Onsite assessments available in New Plymouth, Waitara, Ōpunake and Hāwera Mon-Fri, 8.30am-4.30pm In-home assessments may be available by appointment |
| Assessment cost |
Free $5 processing fee applies |
|
Your Way Kia Roha |
|
| Assessment details |
Onsite and in-home assessments available New Plymouth |
| Assessment cost |
$17 Payment made directly to Taranaki Regional Council |
What happens after your assessment?
- Your application is reviewed by Taranaki Regional Council
- If approved, your Total Mobility card will be posted to you
- Please allow up to 10 working days for delivery (cards are distributed from Auckland)
If your application is declined, you will receive a letter explaining the reason(s).
Using the Total Mobility Scheme
When booking and using Total Mobility transport:
- Contact the operator directly
- Book in advance where possible
- Tell the operator if you need a wheelchair-accessible vehicle or assistance
- Let them know you will be using a Total Mobility swipe card
- Hand your card to the driver at the start of the trip
- Pay your share of the fare at the end of the trip
- Keep your receipt if requested
If your card is not presented or is inactive, you will be charged the full fare.
Total Mobility transport operators in Taranaki
| Trading name | Contact details | Wheelchair accessible? |
| Taranaki Executive Taxis (T.E Taxis) | 0800 999 222 | No |
| Driving Miss Daisy | 06 751 0209 or 027 773 3268 | Yes |
| Freedom Companion Driving Service | 06 758 0734 | No |
| Ironside Vehicle Society | 06 753 6469 | Yes |
| New Plymouth Taxis | 06 757 3000 | No |
| Driving You Taranaki | 022 373 2930 | Yes |
| Trading name | Contact details | Wheelchair accessible |
| Sum1else Drives | 027 384 1812 | Yes |
| Trading name | Contact details | Wheelchair accessible? |
| STOPS (Hāwera) | 06 278 3933 | Yes |
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Total Mobility terms and conditions
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