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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

06 759 0019
Assessment details

Onsite appointments available

New Plymouth
Assessment cost

$17

Payment accepted onsite

Age Concern Taranaki

06 759 9196 or info@ageconcerntaranaki.org.nz 
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

0800 884 672

naumai@tuiora.co.nz
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

0800 758 700 or referrals@yourwaykiaroaha.nz 
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

Frequently asked questions

From taxis to companion driving services, the Total Mobility scheme makes it easier to get around and participate in community life. Check out our FAQs to learn how to apply, use your card and understand your subsidy.

Total Mobility is a nationwide scheme that helps people with impairments travel safely and independently. In Taranaki, it provides a card for subsidised fares with approved taxis and door-to-door transport, making it easier to get to appointments, work, shops, or social activities. 

By subsidising fares, Total Mobility reduces travel costs, helping you attend appointments, go shopping, visit friends, or take part in community events. Every trip is recorded electronically using your ID swipe card to ensure the correct subsidy is applied. 

Members receive a 75% subsidy per one-way trip, up to $30 (75% of a $40 fare). You pay the remaining fare directly to the driver via cash or EFTPOS.

Anyone living in Taranaki with an impairment affecting their ability to use public transport safely and independently may be eligible. This includes permanent or temporary impairments (6+ months) that prevent you from: 

  • Getting to or from a bus stop 
  • Standing and waiting for transport  
  • Boarding or alighting a bus  
  • Handling money or a ticket  
  • Riding securely  
  • Travelling without confusion or anxiety  
  • Using an accessible bus if available  

Eligibility is confirmed through an assessment. You may be assessed by your doctor, or approved agencies: 

The Taranaki Regional Council may request an independent medical assessment if needed. 

Arrange an assessment with one of the approved agencies. Once completed, submit your application to Taranaki Regional Council. If approved, your personal ID swipe card will be mailed to you (allow up to 10 working days). 
  1. Present your card to the driver at the start of each trip. 
  2. Pay your portion of the fare at the end. 
  3. Keep your card safe – it cannot be used by anyone else unless you are travelling with them.  

If your card isn’t presented or is inactive, the full fare applies. 

Contact the Total Mobility team on 0800 868 662. A replacement card costs $5 and may take up to 10 working days to arrive. You’ll need to pay full fares until the new card arrives.

Anywhere within Taranaki where approved Total Mobility transport operators operate (including New Plymouth, Bell Block, Waitara, Stratford, and Hāwera). Your card can also be used in many other regions across New Zealand with participating operators. Trips in other regions are subject to local subsidy limits. 

No. Your card is for your personal travel only. Travel during work or errands by others using your card is not covered. You must be present during the trip. 

Total Mobility is not a substitute for transport provided by other agencies, such as: 

  • School transport (Ministry of Education) 
  • Rest home activity transport  
  • Travel during the course of employment  

Contact the operator directly and book in advance where possible. Let them know if you need a wheelchair-accessible vehicle or other assistance, and that you will be using your Total Mobility card. 

Your card can be used in other parts of New Zealand with approved operators. In regions that still use vouchers, contact the Total Mobility team at least 10 working days in advance. Subsidies and rules vary by region. 

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  • Total Mobility terms and conditions
    Read the Total Mobility terms and conditions for Taranaki. Understand eligibility, card use, fare subsidies, privacy and passenger responsibilities to make the most of accessible transport and before you use your card.
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    Te Pahi supports accessible travel for all. Discover wheelchair-friendly buses, service dog guidance and Total Mobility services to ensure your bus journey across Taranaki is safe, comfortable and stress-free.