NSW Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme

In this guide, we explain the NSW Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme.

We call it the scheme.

The scheme supports a subsidy for some people with disability who use taxi services in NSW.

A subsidy is when the government gives money to help pay for something, so it costs less for people.

Transport for NSW manages the scheme.

The scheme will pay:

• half of your taxi ride
• a maximum of $60 for each trip.

You only have to pay the rest of the cost.

For example, if your taxi ride costs $80:
 

• the scheme will pay $40

• you will pay $40.

To take part in the scheme, people must be a:

• citizen – someone who has the rights and freedoms of the country where they live

or
 

• permanent resident – if you are a permanent resident of a country, you are allowed to live there but you are not a citizen.

The scheme is only for people who:

• live in NSW 
• are old enough to go to school.
   

The scheme is only for people with a disability that:

• will last your whole life
• affects how you move around.

Your disability must stop you from:
 

• driving
   

• using public transport without support.

For example, you might have a disability that means you:
 

• use a wheelchair or mobility aid to move around

• are blind or have low vision

• can’t speak or hear.

Or you might have a disability that affects how well you:

• think
• communicate
• understand
• focus on what you’re doing. 

Or you might have epilepsy.

Epilepsy is a health condition that affects how your brain works. It can cause people to:

• suddenly lose control of their body
• pass out.

But you must have an episode of epilepsy at least 12 times a year.

We will check on you every 2 years to see if you still need the scheme because of your epilepsy.

You can learn more about who can use the scheme on the Transport for NSW website.

We have rules that people must follow when they use the scheme.

You must agree to these rules before you apply for the scheme.

You can find these rules on the Transport for NSW website.

You must fill out a form to apply for the scheme.

You can find the form on the Transport for NSW website.

You can also call Transport for NSW to mail you a form.

131 500

When you fill out your form you must include:

• your personal details – like your name and contact information
• a passport sized photo of yourself.

You must also share your form with your doctor.

Your doctor will include information about your disability.

When you have filled out your form, you can submit it online.

Or you can mail it to Transport for NSW.

Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme
PO Box K659
Haymarket NSW 1240

You will get a card that shows you are part of the scheme.

You can use the card when you pay for a taxi.

You can find a taxi service near you on the Transport for NSW website. 

You need to scan your card on the taxi meter at the end of your trip.

This will help your driver to check how much money you still need to pay.

If you use a wheelchair, your card will have a special code on it.

This will make sure you can use taxis that can take wheelchairs.

You will also get travel vouchers to use in case:

• you lose your card
• the taxi cannot scan your card.

You will get:

• 50 travel vouchers to use in NSW
• 20 travel vouchers to use in other states or territories.

If you use a wheelchair, your travel vouchers will have a special code on them.

This will make sure you can use taxis that can take wheelchairs.

If you need to order more travel vouchers, you can fill out an online form.

Or you can fill out the green order form in your travel voucher book and send it to Transport for NSW.

Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme
PO Box K659
Haymarket NSW 1240

If you are blind or have low vision, you can call Transport for NSW to order new travel vouchers.

131 500

Travel vouchers for other states and territories take up to 3 weeks to arrive.

You must tell Transport for NSW if you change your:

• name
• address.

You must include information about your:

• old and new name
• old and new address
• date of birth
• scheme account number
• contact number.

If you change your name, you must provide documents from the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.

You can send Transport for NSW this information online or by mail.

We share this information below.

You can contact Transport for NSW on their website.

You can call Transport for NSW.

131 500

You can send a letter to Transport for NSW.

Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme
PO Box K659
Haymarket NSW 1240

You can call the National Relay Service if you:

• are deaf or hard of hearing
• find it hard to speak using the phone.

Teletypewriter (TTY)

1800 555 677

Speak and listen

1800 555 727

You can ask them to connect you to Transport for NSW’s number.

1800 623 724

When you make a complaint, you tell someone that something: 

• has gone wrong 
• isn’t working well.
   

You can fill out an online form to make a complaint about:

• how Transport for NSW runs the scheme
• travel vouchers.

You can make a complaint about a taxi service by calling the taxi hotline.

1800 648 478