Disability advocates are warning that changes to the Total Mobility Scheme taking effect today will make it harder for disabled New Zealanders to access work, healthcare, education and community life.
Free Fares NZ has condemned the Government’s decision to reduce the Total Mobility subsidy while lowering regional fare caps, describing the changes as a significant increase in transport costs for some of the country’s most vulnerable people.
From 1 July, the Government has reduced the Total Mobility fare subsidy from 75 percent to 65 percent. At the same time, regional councils have been asked to reduce maximum fare caps by around 10 percent, meaning users will pay a greater share of transport costs, particularly on longer journeys.
The Total Mobility Scheme provides subsidised transport for people who are unable to use public transport safely because of a long-term disability or impairment. Thousands of New Zealanders rely on the scheme for essential trips including medical appointments, shopping, employment and maintaining social connections.
Free Fares NZ argues the changes come at the worst possible time, with many disabled people already facing increased living costs and limited transport options. The organisation says the combined effect of a lower subsidy and reduced fare caps amounts to a substantial increase in out-of-pocket costs for cardholders, making independent travel less affordable.
The advocacy group is calling on the Government to reverse the changes and instead move towards free public transport for Total Mobility cardholders and their support people. It says accessible and affordable transport is essential for ensuring disabled people can participate fully in society.
The Government has defended the changes, saying they are necessary to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the scheme. Ministers have argued that demand and costs have risen significantly since the subsidy increased in 2022, placing growing pressure on Crown funding and contributions from regional councils. Savings from the changes will be redirected to help public transport authorities manage funding shortfalls while maintaining nationwide access to the scheme.
The changes have also prompted concern from disability organisations, which warn that higher transport costs could leave some people travelling less often or missing essential appointments. Several regional councils have acknowledged the impact on users while saying they are implementing the changes in line with Government direction.
For many Māori with disabilities and kaumātua who depend on the scheme, particularly those living in rural and regional communities where public transport is limited, the increased costs are expected to place additional pressure on already stretched household budgets.
The debate over the future of the Total Mobility Scheme is likely to remain in the spotlight as advocacy groups continue to campaign for more accessible and affordable transport across Aotearoa.
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