Review of the Total Mobility scheme

Total Mobility is a government-subsidised transport scheme. It helps disabled people to get to where they need to go, when using buses, trains or ferries is not possible because of a disability. Qualifying people can access subsidised taxis, and in some cases other forms of transport.

You can find more information about the scheme here: Total Mobility Scheme '

Reviewing Total Mobility  

The Ministry of Transport (the Ministry) is leading a review of the Total Mobility scheme.  The purpose of the review is to establish how this scheme operates and how it can be improved to create better outcomes for disabled people.

The review will support the human rights of disabled people as outlined in New Zealand’s commitments under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).  

Refocussed Terms of Reference 

The Terms of Reference (the scope) for the review were developed in consultation with Total Mobility stakeholders and were set in July 2023.

These terms have been revised to give the review a clearer focus so it can deliver on its original purpose. The review will build on the work commenced under the previous Terms of Reference. 

The revised Total Mobility review terms of reference are provided on this webpage and are also available in the following formats: 

• Word
• PDF
• Large print
• Easy Read Word
• Easy Read PDF

You can find information about the work that led up to this point here:  

Total Mobility scheme review – initial scope 

The review covers four areas: 

Area 1: The purpose of the Total Mobility scheme 

The review will focus on: 

• what the purpose of Total Mobility is and how it fits with other government initiatives to support transport accessibility for disabled people. 
• how the scheme aligns with the human rights of disabled people under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. 
• how Total Mobility and the transport needs of disabled people have changed over time and how these could keep evolving in the future.  

Area 2: How aspects of Total Mobility could be made more accessible for disabled people 

The review will focus on:  

•  eligibility criteria for Total Mobility users and whether these criteria are fit-for-purpose
• assessment processes for people applying for Total Mobility and whether these processes are fit-for-purpose
•  whether eligibility criteria and assessment processes are benefiting those who use Total Mobility the most
• costs faced by Total Mobility users (such as assessment fees)
• the ability of people to use Total Mobility services in different regions and how this may impact disabled people travelling to different regions that deliver the services under the scheme.  

Area 3: How aspects of Total Mobility’s operations could be improved 

The review will focus on: 

• whether any changes are needed to make the scheme’s delivery more consistent and equitable across regions that deliver the scheme, and opportunities to innovate
• the supply of Total Mobility services, including the availability of specialist wheelchair accessible vehicles and drivers, and options to increase service supply if needed
• who should be eligible to operate as a Total Mobility provider
• opportunities to deliver more innovative services to Total Mobility users
• financial compensation for service providers, to ensure that the Total Mobility scheme remains attractive for service operators, including fair compensation for the installation and maintenance of essential equipment like wheelchair hoists. 

Area 4: Funding mechanisms for the Total Mobility scheme 

The review will consider: 

• current and projected funding needs for the Total Mobility and how these needs could be met to enable the longevity of this scheme
• how other government initiatives to support transport accessibility for disabled people are funded, and the interactions between these funding sources
•  the potential for new or innovative funding mechanisms. 

By examining these aspects, the review aims to identify ways to create a more sustainable and resilient funding model that supports both current operations and future growth of the scheme.