What a taxi subsidy scheme does
Every state and territory has its own scheme to make taxi travel more affordable for people who cannot use buses or trains because of a disability. They go by different names, and each has its own rules, but most work the same way: the scheme pays a share of the metered fare, and you pay the rest.
Members usually get a smartcard or vouchers to use in the taxi. The subsidy comes off the fare when you pay, so you only pay your share.
Two examples
- NSW Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme (TTSS): covers half of a taxi fare up to a maximum per trip, including wheelchair accessible taxis. You use a TTSS smartcard, with paper dockets as a backup. It is not means tested, and you must be over school age
- Queensland Taxi Subsidy Scheme (TSS): pays half the fare up to a maximum per trip, with no limit on the number of trips. Membership lasts up to 5 years before you reapply. Queensland also pays drivers a lift payment for wheelchair trips, at no cost to you
Who is eligible
Eligibility is based on how your disability affects your ability to use public transport, not on your income. Common categories across the schemes include:
- Needing a wheelchair for all mobility outside the home
- Being able to walk only a very short distance, even with an aid
- Total loss of vision, or severe permanent vision impairment in both eyes
- Severe and uncontrolled epilepsy
- Intellectual or cognitive impairment, or a severe behavioural condition, that means you must always be accompanied on public transport
Taxi subsidies and NDIS participants
Because the NDIS can fund transport, states have handled taxi subsidies for participants differently, and arrangements have changed over time. Queensland, for example, has confirmed eligible NDIS participants can keep using its scheme until appropriate transport arrangements are in place, up to 31 December 2026. Check your own state's current rules before you assume either way.
Being an NDIS participant does not make you eligible for a taxi subsidy, and being a scheme member does not decide your NDIS transport funding. Tell your planner or local area coordinator whether you use a taxi subsidy, because the NDIA considers other support available to you when deciding what is reasonable and necessary.
How NDIS transport funding works alongside it
The NDIS can fund transport when you cannot use public transport without substantial difficulty because of your disability. In most plans this is a transport amount in your Core budget that you use for taxis, rideshare or community transport to get to work, study, therapy or the community. Some participants have specialised transport as a quoted, stated item instead.
Where you are allowed to use both, the subsidy lowers the fare and your NDIS transport funding can cover your share, which makes your funding last longer. Keep receipts for every trip, especially if you self manage.
How to apply
Apply to the scheme in your state or territory. Most applications need a form completed by a doctor or other health professional confirming your disability, plus a photo. If you cannot use the standard form, the scheme can usually send one by mail or help over the phone. If you move interstate, you generally need to join your new state's scheme.