Total Mobility Scheme

The Total Mobility Scheme (TMS) is a national scheme which supports people who are unable to use public transport to travel, all or some of the time.

In the Nelson and Tasman regions, Nelson City Council administers the Total Mobility Scheme, with Tasman District Council contributing towards the budget. The local authorities fund the local share of the budget via rates, with the remainder coming from Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency funding.

The scheme entitles eligible people to receive a discount on their fare by way of a Total Mobility ID card subject to local conditions. The cards can be used in other regions of New Zealand where a local authority operates the scheme, subject to that authority's conditions.

Who can use Total Mobility

This scheme is available only to individuals with a disability that significantly impairs their mobility, preventing them from using public bus services or requiring constant assistance from another person.

Eligibility is assessed by a Council-approved agency. To be eligible, a person must have a disability or impairment that prevents them from independently completing any one or more of the following five components of a journey on a bus, train, or ferry in a safe and dignified manner:

• Getting to the place from where the transport departs

• Getting onto the transport

• Riding securely

• Getting off transport

• Getting to the destination

Examples of eligibility could be inability to, or difficulty in:

• Walking 500 metres unaided (this is the approximate distance from Civic House on Trafalgar Street to the Hardy Street intersection).

• Understanding and following directions, communicating clearly with others, reading timetables and place names

• Understanding and using available information to assist you in planning and undertaking short journeys by public transport

• Entering and exiting public transport safely unaided

• Taking responsibility for one’s own personal safety and dignity throughout the journey

• Handling money to pay the required fare

Age Concern Nelson Tasman is an approved assessor for the Total Mobility Scheme. As part of the application process, an in-person appointment is required to assess your eligibility.

Please note - due to growing demand of this service, there is often a one to three week wait for appointments.

Book your appointment by clicking the button below: