If you use a Total Mobility card, you may have noticed your trips are costing a little more.
From 1 July 2026, the Government changed the Total Mobility subsidy from 75% to 65% of the eligible fare. That means users now generally pay 35% rather than 25%, subject to the fare cap and maximum subsidy that applies in their region. Those regional maximums have also been reduced in most parts of New Zealand.
So, for a $40 trip that sits within your local fare cap, a 65% subsidy would contribute $26 and you would pay $14.
What hasn’t changed?
Total Mobility is still there to help eligible people who cannot easily use ordinary public transport because of a disability or impairment. And you can still use your subsidy when travelling elsewhere in New Zealand, where participating providers are available.
At Freedom, we believe getting around should be about more than simply getting from A to B. Depending on what you need, your Freedom Driver can provide that little bit of extra help before and after the journey too.
Not sure what the changes mean for your next trip?
Talk to your local Freedom Driver before you travel. We can explain the fare, provide a quote and make sure there are no surprises. You may even find that our fares are more affordable than a taxi.
Because freedom is still about getting where you want to go — with a little help from a friend.
