Total Mobility Passenger Transport

Total Mobility is a door to door passenger transport scheme for people with disabilities. The scheme allows them to use regular taxi vehicles and modified taxis for wheelchair access. The aim is to increase the mobility of those with disabilities in the Nelson Tasman region.

The Total Mobility scheme is administered by Nelson City Council, with Tasman District Council contributing to the budget. The local share is funded via rates and the remainder comes through New Zealand Transport Agency funding.

How does the scheme work?

Eligible persons can apply to receive a discount (subject to local conditions) on their taxi fare by way of Total Mobility vouchers. The vouchers can be used in other regions of New Zealand where a local authority operates the scheme subject to that authority's conditions. The discount rate is currently 50% to a maximum discount of $10 per trip.

Who can use Total Mobility?

The scheme is only available to people with a disability which impairs their ability to a level that prevents them from using a public bus service or requires the constant assistance of another person. All applicants are assessed for eligibility by an approved agency.

Am I eligible?

To be eligible, you must have an impairment that prevents you from undertaking any one or more of the following when travelling unaccompanied in a safe and dignified manner on public transport:

  • Getting to the place from where the transport departs.
  • Getting on to the the transport.
  • Riding securely.
  • Getting off the transport.
  • Getting to the destination.

Other acceptable reasons include:

  • Being unable to walk 500 metres unaided.
  • Being unable to understand and follow directions, communicate clearly with others, read timetables and place names.
  • Being unable to understand and use available information to assist you plan and undertake short journeys by public transport.
  • Being unable to safely enter and exit public transport unaided
  • Being unable to take responsibility for your own personal safety and. dignity throughout the journey.
  • Being unable to handle money to purchase the required fare.
Who can Assess my eligibility?

The following agencies are responsible for assessing people's eligibility to join the Total Mobility Scheme and issuing the vouchers. They may charge you an assessment fee and if you are approved you must also pay that agency's annual subscription fee. It is recommended that you join an agency that provides a service for people with a similar disability to your own.

The agencies are:

  1. Arthritis Foundation, 03 546 7689
  2. Royal NZ Foundation for the Blind, 03 547 6616
  3. Idea Services Nelson (IHC), 03 538 0046
  4. Multiple Sclerosis Society, 03 544 0138
  5. CCS Disability Awareness Action Nelson, 03 548 4479
  6. Marlborough Stroke Foundation, 03 545 8177
  7. SF Nelson (Mental Health), 03 546 6090
  8. Age Concern Richmond, 03 544 7624
  9. Post-Polio Group Nelson, 03 545 1030
  10. Epilepsy NZ (Nelson), 03 546 6398
  11. ME Support Group Nelson, 03 544 4486
  12. Presbyterian Support, 03 547 9350
  13. Motueka Total Mobility (Tasman District Council's Motueka Office), 03 528 2022 
Which Taxi Companies Can I Use?

Participating transport service operators include (Richmond and Nelson):

  • Nelson City Taxis, 03 548 8225 - they have five wheelchair hoist equipped vehicles
  • Sun City Taxis, 03 548 2666
  • Nelson Bays Cabs, 03 541 8294

The operators listed below service the Motueka and Golden Bay areas:

  • Tasman Taxis, 03 528 1031 (Motueka)
  • Motueka Regional Ambulance, 03 528 7645 (Wheelchair Hoist Vehicle only)
  • Takaka Taxi Services, 0800 825 252 (Golden Bay)
To find out more contact:

Total Mobility Administrator, Nelson City Council, PO Box 645, Nelson 7040, Phone: 03 546 0200