Transport Disability Incentives and Subsidies

Transport Disability Incentives and Subsidies (TDIS) review

The TDIS review considered subsidies and incentives for point to point transport services for people with a disability. The purpose of the review was to make recommendations on the future operation of the Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme and the incentives provided to Wheelchair Accessible Taxi operators and drivers to provide services to customers with disability.

Findings of the Review were released in February 2020. This findings report summarises the feedback we received from stakeholders and outlines a way forward, the first step being the development of a new system for administering the TTSS to replace the existing paper dockets.

If you have any questions about the review, please email TransportSocialPolicy@transport.nsw.gov.au.

Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme

The Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme (TTSS) provides support for NSW residents who are unable to use public transport because of a disability.

The subsidy covers 50 per cent of the total fare with a maximum subsidy of $60 per journey and is claimed using travel dockets.

On 1 July 2016 the maximum subsidy that can be claimed through the TTSS increased from $30 to $60 per trip.

Smartcard to replace paper travel dockets

TTSS paper travel dockets will be replaced by a smartcard in a phased rollout commencing from November 2020. 

Important changes to driver details for TTSS dockets

From 1 November 2017, taxi drivers will need to complete the TTSS docket using their driver licence number instead of their driver authority number.

Drivers are also reminded of the payment requirement to complete all trip details (including trip times) and the need to engage and disengage the taxi meter at the start and end of each TTSS trip.

Drivers will need to have the new Passenger Transport code on their driver licence record to receive TTSS payments, to enable Transport for NSW to validate that the driver is a point to point transport driver.

Eligibility

Participation in the TTSS is not means tested however there is a range of other eligibility criteria. Receipt of an aged, invalid, blind or any other pension does not automatically qualify you for participation in the TTSS.

You application may be declined if you have previously been suspended or removed from the NSW Scheme or a similar scheme in another State or Territory.

TTSS eligibility criteria

To be eligible for the Scheme an applicant must:

  • Be a permanent resident of Australia
  • Normally reside in NSW
  • Not be a member of a similar scheme in another Australian State or Territory
  • Be over school age (preschool aged students, regardless of disability, are ineligible for inclusion in the Scheme)
  • Have a severe and permanent disability in one of the following categories.

Ambulatory/Mobility/Functional

  • Unable to walk or stand. Mobile only in a wheelchair due to a physical disability; or
  • Restricted to walking inside the home. Mobile outside of home only with a wheelchair due to a physical disability; or
  • Severe and permanent ambulatory problem that cannot functionally be improved which limits walking to a distance of 20 metres or less without rest and also:
    • necessitates permanent use of a walking aid for all mobility; or
    • necessitates the constant assistance of another person for all mobility; or
    • is unable to independently ascend or descend three or more consecutive steps of 350mm height; or
  • Total and permanent functional loss of both upper limbs which renders the person incapable of travelling on public transport without the constant assistance of another person.

Epilepsy

  • Severe and uncontrollable epilepsy
    • Must experience more than 12 episode a year;
    • Longest period between consecutive seizures must be 2 months or less;
    • Approved applications are subject to review every 2 years.

Intellectual disability (cognitive impairment)

  • Severe permanent intellectual disability which renders the person incapable of travelling on public transport without the constant assistance of another person.
  • Severe cognitive or memory impairment such that the applicant:
    • is unable to be aware of or communicate destination; or
    • is unable to manage the payment of fares; or
    • exhibits socially unacceptable behaviour.

Speech and/or Hearing 

  • Severe and permanent communication difficulties necessitating the constant assistance of another person to use public transport.

Visual impairment

  • Total loss of vision in both eyes or severe permanent impairment of 6.60 or less in each eye; or
  • Field of vision reduced to 10o or less all round; or
  • Total loss of lower half field of vision which cannot functionally be improved by corrective lenses or other treatment; or
  • Homonymous hemianopia with significant mobility limitations.

How to apply

  1. Read and agree to the TTSS Terms and Conditions (PDF, 204.62 KB)
  2. Download and complete the TTSS Application Form (PDF, 554.22 KB)
  3. Provide the application form to your medical practitioner or treating specialist for completion
  4. Once complete, sign and date the form and mail it to the address provided or prepare digital copies to submit online at transportnsw.info/concessions-application.

Contact us if you would like to have a printed application form mailed out to you.

Contact details

Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme
Transport for NSW
PO Box K659
Haymarket NSW 1240
Phone: 131 500

Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme fares

Fares for Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme (TTSS) customers remain regulated and are not subject to fare changes implemented by the Point to Point Commission. The fare calculation device must be used for all TTSS journeys, and the fare charged cannot exceed the regulated maximum set by Transport for NSW.

Using the scheme

  • TTSS dockets may only be used in a taxi and the meter must be used to determine the fare
  • Keep your $60 docket book with you at all times
  • Only use dockets with your name on them
  • When you catch a taxi, let the driver know where you want to go   
  • When you arrive, fill out the trip details on a $60 docket
  • Sign the docket and give it to your driver. The driver can assist you if necessary or Person Unable To Sign (PUTS) can be used instead of a signature 
  • Only use one docket per trip
  • Give the driver the remaining payment (half of the fare plus anything over $60)

For example: If the total fare is $80, you can use a docket to pay $40 towards the fare and pay the remaining $40 yourself. If the total fare is $140, you can use a docket to pay $60 (maximum subsidy) of the fare and pay the remaining $80 yourself.

Reordering travel dockets

To order a new book of travel dockets use the green reorder form provided in the middle of the travel docket book, or download Reorder TTSS Travel Dockets (PDF, 266.25 KB) and send the completed reorder form to the address provided. Alternatively, you can write to the TTSS office with your name, date of birth and residential address, and request that a new book be sent to you.

Important: If you are an existing TTSS customer you do not have to complete another TTSS application to reorder travel dockets.Interstate travel dockets

If you are a TTSS customer you can Order Interstate Travel Dockets (PDF, 922.33 KB) which allow you to use the half fare taxi subsidy while visiting other states or territories (up to a maximum subsidy of $60 per trip).

Important: A minimum of 2 weeks' notice is required when ordering interstate travel dockets so please plan ahead. Regular TTSS travel dockets cannot be used for travel outside NSW.Change of personal details

Please notify the TTSS team in writing of changes to personal details as soon as possible to ensure that your access to the TTSS is not unintentionally interrupted or terminated. In most cases it is not necessary to submit a new application to change your personal details.

Requests to change personal details including name, date of birth or gender, must be sent to TTSS online via transportnsw.info/concessions-application, with one of the following documents as appropriate:

  • Deed Poll   
  • Certificate of Marriage

Wheelchair Accessible Taxis

The NSW Government provides an incentive payment for drivers of Wheelchair Accessible Taxis (WAT) to improve the accessibility, reliability and response times for TTSS participants who require a wheelchair for travel.

To find out if you are approved for travel in a WAT refer to the account number on the bottom of your travel dockets (example highlighted below in red).

Account Numbers starting with ‘02’ are not approved for WAT travel (referred to as M40), and account numbers starting with ‘08’ are approved for WAT travel(referred to as M50).If you require a wheelchair at all times to travel, but are not currently approved to travel in a WAT, please call the TTSS number or write to the TTSS office stating that you are now travelling in a wheelchair.

You can book a wheelchair accessible taxi online or by calling 139 000

Important: If you are approved for travel in a WAT you should not be charged any extra money at the time of travel as the incentive is paid directly by TfNSW.

Wheelchair Accessible Taxi information for drivers and operators

Complaints and feedback

All suggestions, compliments, complaints and feedback about a taxi driver or trip are welcome and will be kept strictly confidential.

For all customer enquiries, please use the Online feedback form or call 131 500.

Please be ready to provide the taxi's number plate, the driver's number, the taxi network name, and the time and date of the journey.