Total Mobility

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

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. The scheme provides a fare subsidy for Total Mobility Scheme clients using contracted Small Passenger Service Operators, up to a maximum total fare of $40.00 per one-way ride (maximum fare subsidy paid by the scheme is $26), using the scheme’s Ridewise card, which is accepted by a large number of passenger service providers in many towns and cities across New Zealand.

National changes to Total Mobility scheme

The Government has confirmed national changes to the Total Mobility scheme effective 1 July 2026, including a reduction in the subsidy rate from 75% to 65% and a reduction in fare caps.

These changes will be implemented through Ridewise and Service Provider in-vehicle systems.

You will continue to process Total Mobility trips in the same way as today; only the subsidy and cap values applied for each trip will change, from 75% of the total fare to 65%, up to a maximum fare of $40.00. This will result in the maximum fare subsidy of $26.00 for the Total Mobility Scheme in Southland.

The intent of the changes is to ensure the ongoing sustainability of the Total Mobility scheme, while maintaining reliable services for customers.

If you have any questions, please contact Nathan Gill or Kyleigh Jeffcoat on 03 2111777.

Who is eligible?

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.

Southland Transport Operators who accept Total Mobility scheme Ridewise cards from 1 September 2026.

The following taxi operators provide total mobility services and some provide wheelchair hoist services as indicated.

*Please note: remember to pre-book if you require a Wheelchair Hoist Vehicle.

Approved transport operator	Contact	♿
Blue Star Taxis	(03) 217 7777	Hoist available*
CabI	021 136 4960	Hoist available*
Driving Miss Daisy	(03) 216 7763	Hoist available*
Ezicab (2025)	021 221 1114
Freedom Driving Invercargill	(03) 217 0932 or 027 259 1594	Hoist available*
Golden Ride	0800 26 23 01
Invercargill Taxis	(03) 216 5995
Metro Cabs	0800 698 294
Mike’s Taxis (Gore)	(03) 208 1243
Nova Taxis	021 201 3847	Hoist available*

How to apply

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. Once processed, a personalised ID card will be issued to process all qualifying trips a Total Mobility client takes using the scheme.

Who are the approved issuing agencies?

Approved agency	Contact
Age Concern Southland	(03) 218 6351
Alzheimers Society Southland	(03) 214 0984
Blind Low Vision NZ	(03) 218 9189
Bupa Ascot	(03) 217 5714
Calvary Hospital	(03) 216 8099
Cancer Society Southland	(03) 218 4108
CCS Disability Action Southland	(03) 218 9696
Clare House Rest Home	(03) 215 6966
Community Connections Centre – Eastern Southland	(03) 208 8480
DisAbilites Resource Centre Southland	(03) 214 5000
Enliven (formerly Presbyterian Support Southland)	(03) 211 8200
Epilepsy Association NZ, Southland Branch	(03) 218 3089
Head Injury Southland	(03) 214 4154
Idea Services Southland	(03) 211 2980
Riverton Community House	(03) 234 8206
Rowena Jackson Retirement Village	(03) 215 9988
Recycle South (formerly Southland DisAbility Enterprises)	(03) 214 6188
Southland Hospice	(03) 211 3081
Southland Multiple Sclerosis Society	(03) 218 3975
Southland Stroke Club	(03) 214 0308
Southern Mobility	(03) 218 1161
The Hawthorndale Care Village	(03) 216 8099
Waikiwi Gardens	(03) 215 7200

Please note:

Some agencies might charge a fee; ask about this when making an appointment to complete an application.
Some agencies may have specific criteria to meet to assist with client assessments.