Total Mobility scheme

The Total Mobility scheme helps you access affordable transport if you have a long-term impairment that makes it hard to use public transport. The scheme is funded by us and Waka Kotahi, and provides discounted transport and bus options to help you travel independently and stay connected with your community.

 
Concessions and discounts
 
Apply for a Total Mobility card
 
Using your Total Mobility card
 
Christchurch Total Mobility Committee

Concessions and discounts

Transport provider discounts – 75 per cent off door-to-door trips

When you show your Total Mobility card to an approved transport provider, we'll pay 75 per cent of the fare, up to a maximum of $52.50 per trip.

You’ll pay the remaining 25 per cent to the driver at the end of the trip. If your total fare is more than $70, you’ll need to pay the extra amount directly to the driver.

Example fares:

  • For a $20 trip: you pay $5, Total Mobility pays $15.
  • For a $100 trip: you pay $47.50, Total Mobility pays $52.50 (the maximum subsidy).

You can travel with whānau, friends, or a carer — up to the number of passengers allowed in the vehicle. Please note that discounts may vary in other regions of New Zealand.

Metro bus discounts

Metro has a range of fare concessions available for travel in Greater Christchurch and Timaru.

Greater Christchurch:

  • $1.50 fares if you use a Community Services Card.
  • $2 fares with your Total Mobility card.
  • Companions can travel free when you show your Total Mobility card.

Timaru:

  • Discounted fares are available with a Community Services Card.
  • No further discount applies to Total Mobility cards.
More concessions and discounts: Learn about all Metrocard concessions and find the fare that’s right for you.

Apply for a Total Mobility card

To join the scheme, contact an approved Total Mobility Agency to request an assessment to determine eligibility. If you are not sure which agency would be suitable, then your doctor should be able to refer you. 

The other option is to go directly through the general agency, which can vary depending on where you live in Waitaha Canterbury. The general agency can determine your eligibility and, if eligible, issue you a card themselves.

Total Mobility agencies by area:

You’ll need:

  • Proof of identity
  • A passport-style photo
  • Supporting information from a doctor or health professional (depending on the assessor’s requirements).

Most agencies charge a small assessment fee.

Check if you’re eligible

You may be eligible for Total Mobility if you have a long-term impairment that prevents you from undertaking one or more of the following five aspects of a journey by yourself on public transport in a safe and dignified manner at times:

  • Getting to the stop or station
  • Getting on or off the vehicle
  • Travelling securely
  • Getting to your final destination

Eligibility is based on how your impairment affects your ability to travel, not on income or age. Contact your existing support agency to arrange a Total Mobility assessment.

FAQs: Eligibility and application

Questions about who can join, what documents are needed, transferring cards, updating photos, and fees.

Q: How long will it take for my new card to arrive after I request one?
A: A new card replacement can take up to two weeks to arrive.

Q: I've just moved to Canterbury, how do I transfer my existing card?
A: You will need to request a replacement card through a Canterbury agency.

Q: Can I update the photo on my card?
A: Contact your agency — there may be a fee for this.

Q: Is there an annual fee and how do I pay it?
A: Annual fees may vary depending on the agency — contact them to discuss costs and payment options.

Q: Can my child use their Total Mobility card for travel to and from school?
A: No — the card is not intended for school transport. Other alternatives exist through the Ministry of Education.

Q: Is Total Mobility the best option for my mobility needs?
A: Other funding options include ACC, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, Workbridge, and Rest Home transport. Total Mobility covers trips not supported by these schemes.

Q: Can I take a support person or carer with me?
A: Yes, anyone can travel with you at no extra subsidy cost, as long as they travel the entire journey with you.

Q: Can I use the scheme anywhere in New Zealand?
A: Your Total Mobility card can be used with approved providers in other regions, where Total Mobility is available, but the subsidy rate may differ.

Using your Total Mobility card

Once approved, you’ll receive a Total Mobility photo ID card. Show this card to approved taxi or transport operators to receive your fare discount.

To book a trip:

  1. Contact your preferred Total Mobility transport company to book your trip or hail a ride from a rank. You can find a list of providers below.
  2. Let the booking office staff know you are a Total Mobility client and if you require a wheelchair accessible vehicle.
  3. Give your card to the driver to scan before the trip starts, or you will be charged the full fare.
  4. Pay the driver your portion of the fare at the end of the trip.
  5. Keep your receipt and take your card with you — don’t leave it with the driver.

💡 Tip: Check with your provider when booking to confirm if wheelchair-accessible vehicles are available.

Example of a Total Mobility card

Example of a Total Mobility card

Taxi and transport operators in Greater Christchurch

Taxi and transport operators in Ashburton, Timaru and Waimate

Note: A Total Mobility card can be used with approved providers in other regions, but the subsidy rate may differ.

Operator applications

The Total Mobility scheme is now accepting applications from operators interested in joining the programme. This is an opportunity for approved transport providers to support accessible travel across the region.

Applications are open until 4pm, Tuesday 16 December.

Visit the New Zealand Government Electronic Tenders Service (GETS) to view the Invitation to Qualify and submit your application.

FAQs: Booking, payments and problems

Information about advanced bookings and what to do if you encounter issues with your card.

Q: Do I need to book in advance?
A: We recommend booking ahead, especially during peak hours. Some providers may accommodate last-minute trips, but availability is not guaranteed.

Q: I forgot my card and paid for travel without the discount - can I keep the receipt and get it reimbursed?
A: No, unfortunately not.

Q: My card doesn’t work – what do I do?
A: If your card doesn’t work, ask the driver to restart the terminal. If it still fails, pay the full fare, keep the receipt, and contact your agency.

Q: What if I lose my Total Mobility card?
A: If you lose your Total Mobility card a new card will need to be requested. Please get in touch with your agency to organise a replacement card. You will not be eligible for the discount until your new card arrives. Please note, ordering a new card will cancel your old card. Even if your old card is found it cannot be used.

Q: I forgot my card and paid for travel without the discount — can I get reimbursed?
A: No, unfortunately not.

Q: My card has been suspended; can I get it reactivated?
A: Call the advisory team on 0800 324 636 to request this information.

Q: Is there an annual fee and how do I pay it?
A: Annual fees may vary depending on the agency you are with. Please contact your agency directly to discuss the costs and to organise payments for these.

Q: Can my child use their Total Mobility card for travel to and from school?
A: No — the card is not intended for school transport. Alternative options are available through the Ministry of Education.

Q: Is Total Mobility the best option for my mobility needs?
A: Other funding options include ACC, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, Workbridge, and rest home transport. Rest home providers that receive government funding are responsible for meeting the cost of transporting residents for stipulated health and medical services.
If other funding sources are available, they should be utilised ahead of Total Mobility. This is to the user’s benefit, as the level of subsidy is greater. However, even if you have access to alternative funding sources, they may only cover some travel needs. If this leaves other transport needs unmet, you may still want access to Total Mobility to serve these needs.

Q: What if I receive other transport funding?
A: Total Mobility should not be a substitute for transport more appropriately covered by other government agencies such as ACC, WINZ, Ministry of Education, Workbridge, or Te Whatu Ora. Your Total Mobility card cannot be used for trips that are already 100% funded but can be used if other funding only covers a portion of the fare.

Q: How can I get a parking permit for disabled parking?
A: These permits are managed by an external organisation CCS Disability Action. Find out more about mobility parking.

Contact and support

  • Have questions about your Total Mobility card, eligibility, or which agency you’re with? Call our Advisory Team on 0800 324 636
  • Having issues with a transport provider? Talk to the company first. If it’s not resolved, call 0800 324 636 for support.

Christchurch Total Mobility Committee

The Christchurch Total Mobility Committee advises on planning, funding, and running the scheme.

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