Taxi Subsidies
Australian Capital Territory Taxi Subsidy Scheme
To be eligible you must be a resident of the ACT, aged sixteen years or over and who, because of a severe disability, is unable to use public transport.
Vouchers are issued and may be used towards partial cost of taxi fares. You can also use your vouchers when interstate. You may be eligible for a 50% subsidy up to a maximum of $17 subsidy per trip.
If you use a wheelchair for all travel outside your home and take it with you when travelling in a taxi, you could be eligible for a 75% subsidy, up to a maximum of $26 subsidy per trip. You could also have the loading and unloading portion of the fare paid for by the government through payment of a Lift Fee.
For more information contact:
ACT Taxi Subsidy Scheme.
- Phone
- 02 6207 1108
- Postal Address
- GPO Box 158, Canberra ACT 2601
New South Wales Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme
Administered by the NSW Government, this scheme provides taxi travel at a half rate subsidy to residents who are unable to use public transport because of a qualifying severe and permanent disability. Participants can use this scheme for travel in NSW and all other states in Australia. Generally, participants may use any taxi.
The scheme is not intended for long distance travel and is primarily available to suit the travel requirements of people with disabilities within a particular area or town. A maximum limit of $30 subsidy per trip applies.
Children not yet attending school, regardless of disability, are ineligible for inclusion in the scheme. And if you are in receipt of an Aged Pension (Blind) or Disability Support Pension (Blind), it does not automatically qualify you for participation in the scheme. Eligibility for participation depends upon the extent or severity of your disability, which also must be a permanent disability.
Note: the Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme does not currently provide eligibility criteria in writing, but states that eligibility is around 'the same level as Commonwealth pensions for people who are blind'.
Application Forms are available from Vision Australia or:
Taxi Subsidy Scheme
- Phone
- 1800 623 724
- Postal Address
- Locked Bag 5067, Parramatta NSW 2124
- ttss@transport.nsw.gov.au
Reordering Vouchers
If you are a current participant, you can use a special answering machine number to order a new book of taxi vouchers rather than reapplying in writing. Phone 1800 623 724
Travel in Another State
M40 Taxi Subsidy Vouchers can be used for travel within another state as well.
Victoria Multi-Purpose Taxi Program (M40)
Taxi cards entitle you to half price taxi fares to the maximum value of a $50 trip (where you would pay only $25). For trips that cost more than $50, you will need to pay the difference. To be eligible for this card you must have vision of 6/36 or less in both eyes or have a permanent disability that limits independent travel on public transport. Application forms must be signed by a medical practitioner (ophthalmologist or general practitioner).
Application forms may be obtained from:
Taxi Directorate
- Phone
- 03 9320 4360 or 1800 638 802
- Postal Address
- VicRoads, PO Box 666, North Melbourne VIC 3051
- Street Address
- 14-20 Blackwood St, North Melbourne VIC 3051
Travel in Another State
Interstate taxi vouchers can be issued where members plan to travel to another state. You will continue to receive the same subsidy rate as you receive in Victoria however, as most states have different trip values, interstate taxi drivers may be unfamiliar with Victorian entitlements. To obtain your interstate vouchers you should contact the Taxi Directorate (details above) at least two weeks prior to travelling. Generally ten vouchers for each seven days away with a maximum of fifty vouchers will be issued.