Total Mobility Timaru

Total Mobility Card

A subsidised transport scheme for people with long-term impairments.

What is Total Mobility?

Total Mobility is a nationwide scheme to help provide transport for people who, due to a long-term impairment, cannot use public transport easily. Eligible people use an electronic card to receive subsidised fares (with approved Total Mobility transport operators) to help them access appropriate transport to meet their daily needs and enhance their community participation. The scheme is funded in partnership with local and central government in New Zealand (Environment Canterbury and Waka Kotahi).

The card can be used with Timaru Taxis, Driving Miss Daisy, or the Geraldine and Waimate Vehicle Trust.

75% Discount

When you present your Total Mobility card to the taxi driver, Environment Canterbury will cover 75% of the fare with the above approved operators, up to a maximum of $52.50 per trip.

You will pay the remaining 25% of the fare to the driver at the end of the trip. If the total fare is more than $70 you must meet the additional cost and pay this directly to the driver.

For example:

For a $20 trip: You pay $5, Total Mobility pays $15.      

For a $100 trip: You pay $47.50 (which is a 75% discount on the fare up to $70, and 100% of the rest), Total Mobility pays $52.50.

If required a support person such as your whānau, friends or a carer can travel with you (up to the maximum number of passengers allowed in the vehicle).

Am I eligible?

You may be eligible for a Total Mobility Card if you have a physical or cognitive impairment that prevents you from independently completing one or more of the following five aspects of a journey on public transport, in a safe and dignified manner.

  • Getting to the place where the transport departs.
  • Getting onto the transport.
  • Riding securely.
  • Getting off the transport.
  • Getting to your final destination point.

How do I get a Total Mobility card?

Contact Age Concern South Canterbury phone 03 687 7581, we can advise you about the card and can arrange an assessment to confirm if you are eligible.

(Change is who to we can advise)

The assessment will take about 15-30 minutes.  The assessor will take a photo for use on the card.  The assessment is usually done in your home or our offices at Community House, Timaru.  There is a $20 charge for the assessment and an annual fee of $20 will be charged after one year.

To use your card:

  1. Phone your preferred transport operator to book a trip. See the list of providers below.
  2. Give your card to the driver at the start of the trip.
  3. Pay the driver at the end of the trip.
  4. Keep a copy of your receipt for this ride.
  5. You can use the card as frequently as required for medical, shopping or social activities.

Contact Details

Operators in South Canterbury

Timaru Taxis: (03) 688 9968
Geraldine Community Vehicle Trust: (03) 693 1007
Driving Miss Daisy Timaru: 0800 948 432
Waimate Vehicle Trust: (03) 689 6226

Other Total Mobility Agencies in South Canterbury

Alzheimers South Canterbury: (03) 687 7583
Blind Low Vision NZ: (03) 375 4300
CCS Disability Action South Canterbury: (03) 684 7151
IDEA Services South Canterbury: (03) 684 7182
Multiple sclerosis South Canterbury: (03) 687 7375
South Canterbury Stroke Foundation: (03) 687 7582