Your guide to the Total Mobility scheme on Waiheke
Getting around our beautiful island and the wider Auckland region should be safe, dignified, and affordable for everyone. If a health condition or disability makes using standard public transport a challenge, the nationwide Total Mobility scheme can help you stay connected.
A Total Mobility card unlocks several transport benefits designed to make your journeys smoother:
Subsidised rates on participating taxi and door-to-door transport services.
Discounted fares across the public transport network.
Free travel on buses for an accompanying companion or support person.
Who is Eligible?
The scheme is designed for individuals who experience difficulties with every day public transport due to a physical, sensory, intellectual, or psychological impairment. You may be eligible if your health condition or disability prevents you from completing any one of the following tasks safely and independently:
Getting to and from your nearest bus stop or train station without assistance.
Standing and waiting for a bus when there is no seating available.
Stepping on or off a bus, train, or ferry.
Travelling securely without needing extra support.
Navigating a public transport journey without becoming confused or disoriented.
Successfully reaching your final destination.
Fluctuating Needs are Covered
Eligibility is not strictly limited to permanent, unchanging conditions. If your ability to use public transport fluctuates depending on the time or environment, you still qualify for the scheme. For instance, a resident with low vision might successfully use buses during daylight hours but find it impossible or unsafe to navigate the transport network in the dark.
How to Apply on Waiheke
Accessing the Total Mobility scheme on the island requires a formal assessment, which is completed locally by Rozanne Gold, Social Worker at the Waiheke Health Trust.
To book your assessment, simply call the Waiheke Health Trust on 09 372 8893. To ensure the process is completely accessible, appointments can take place at the Trust office in Ostend or in the comfort of your own home if travelling is a barrier for you. Please note there is a one-off assessment fee of $50.00 payable to the Waiheke Health Trust to finalise your application.