In response to COVID-19, what you pay for your taxi trip is reduced until 30 June 2020. From Thursday 14 May 2020, New Zealand will move into Alert Level 2. Under this level, you can travel, however do it in a safe way. Try minimise the number of places you visit during your travel. The temporary change has meant a subsidy increase of up to double the normal Total Mobility subsidy offered in your area. For example, if you travel in an area which normally has a 50% discount up to a maximum of $10.00, the new temporary discount is 100% discount up to a maximum of $20.00. This means you will only pay a fare if your total trip fare exceeds $20.00. Your Total Mobility experience remains the same, with you still needing to present your Total Mobility card to the driver. The driver will swipe as usual and you will pay at the end of the trip if there is amount owing above the new subsidy cap for your area. From 1 July 2020 your subsidy will revert back to its normal discount level and normal maximum value. Remember: if you do not present your card to the driver, you will not get the Total Mobility subsidy and will be charged the full fare. Change in subsidy by area
On 1 September 2018, Horizons moved to an electronic card system, replacing the paper based pink voucher book and ID card. This new card provides ease of usage for clients and transport operators and enables us to gather accurate data for measurement of the scheme and to identify future improvements.
To be eligible for the scheme, you need to be managing a diagnosed disability or have mobility issues which limit your ability to leave your home. If you drive a car, you can still be eligible for the scheme.
The assessment should not take more than 30 minutes and involves answering questions about your mobility needs and your personal circumstances. Although there may be some clinical questions, this assessment is to establish eligibility for funding. Once you have completed the questions, your assessor will take a photo of you. This photo will be transferred onto your electronic ID card, which will be sent out to you with a letter of acceptance, once approved by the Total Mobility Coordinator (TMC) at Horizons. If the TMC is unsure whether or not you meet the eligibility criteria, you may be required to provide a medical certificate from your doctor. You will be contacted if this is required. You should receive the outcome of your assessment within 10 working days.
The TMS provides subsidised taxi travel of 50 per cent discount up to a specified amount varying across the region, as set out below. Whanganui - $10 Palmerston North - $10 Levin - $10 Marton - $5 Feilding - $5