FAQs

Total Mobility is a nationwide scheme that provides subsidised transport to people with impairments.

In Southland, Total Mobility is a shared service that incorporates Gore District Council, Southland District Council and Invercargill City Council; it is administrated by the Invercargill City Council.

Currently, the scheme provides a fare subsidy for Total Mobility Scheme clients using contracted Small Passenger Service Operators, up to a maximum total fare of $50.00 per one-way ride.

The total mobility scheme is available to people who have an impairment because of a physical, sensory, intellectual, neurological or psychological impairment and are unable to get to a bus without help or assistance.

There has been increased participation in the scheme, which has resulted in significant unbudgeted expenditure. Discussion with NZTA - Waka Kotahi has indicated that there will not be any increase in funding to meet the additional demand. Council has asked staff to review the scheme, and come up with changes to make it more financially sustainable moving forward.

• Reducing the subsidy to 50%
• Developing a process to limit the number of trips undertaken by individual users
• Developing a policy for exceptional circumstances to address higher needs some individual users may have
• Creating a communication strategy to inform users of the decisions and the process going forward

All Councils across New Zealand are experiencing the same challenges meeting increased demand from users, without sufficient funding.  NZTA are aware of the funding shortfall.  

Council’s budget is approximately $1.5M for 24/25 financial year.  This is currently forecasted to be over budget by $500,000, due to demand. Council expenditure on the scheme exceeded $2M in 23/24.  Top-up funding was received for 23/24 and 24/25 years, however, top-up funding is no longer available.  Council is subsidised by NZTA at a rate of 60% within approved budgets.

There are 2742 individual registered users currently. In comparison with 22/23 and 23/24 shows growth of 7% from 22/23 to 23/24 and growth of 23% from 23/24 to 24/25 without an increase in proportional funding

*To end April 25

A new card may be issued in future, if that is the case we will be in touch with registered users, assessing agencies, and operators, and include a transition period from the ride wise card to a new card.  NZTA are working on an updated system to improve ease of use and allow providers to report more easily.

To apply you need to contact an approved assessing agency to complete an assessment form. Your application will then be processed by the Invercargill City Council.

A list of approved assessing agencies can be found here.

We are holding drop-in sessions at Rowena Jackson Community Hub and Age Concern. We have also scheduled a workshop for stakeholder organisations. You can register your interest in attending the workshop, or ask us any questions by emailing  policy@icc.govt.nz(External link)

Accessible versions of all of our documentation are available on request to policy@icc.govt.nz(External link) or via phone, 03 2111777, or in person at 101 Esk Street.

The easiest way to feedback is online, using the form on this page. Alternatively, you can pick up a submission form and drop one off at 

• Te Hīnaki Civic Building
• Invercargill Libraries & Archives
• Bluff Service Centre

You can also email the Policy Team at Policy@icc.govt.nz