Transport subsidies for elderly and disabled people reduced
The government is cutting transport subsidies for elderly and disabled people for elderly and disabled people from 75 percent to 65 percent.
The Total Mobility scheme provides discounted taxis and public transport fares for those with long-term impairments.
Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Disability Minister Louise Upston said when the previous Labour government boosted the scheme from a 50
percent subsidy in 2022, it did not account for increased demand.
The number of registered users had increased from 108,000 to 120,000 between 2022 and 2024/25, and the number of trips increased from 1.8
million in 2018 to 3 million in 2024/25.
Bishop said the increased demand now meant the scheme was close to exceeding the funding provided by $236m sometime over the five years to
2030.
"The subsidy is split between the government and public transport authorities - local councils and the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) - and
provides an important service for the people who use the scheme," he said.
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