The Total Mobility scheme helps you access affordable transport if you have a long-term impairment that makes it hard to use public transport. The scheme is funded by us and Waka Kotahi, and provides discounted transport and bus options to help you travel independently and stay connected with your community.
The Total Mobility scheme provides discounted transport through approved transport providers and offers additional public transport concessions on Metro services in Greater Christchurch and Timaru.
When you show your Total Mobility card to an approved transport provider, we'll pay 75 per cent of the fare, up to a maximum of $52.50 per trip.
You’ll pay the remaining 25 per cent to the driver at the end of the trip. If your total fare is more than $70, you’ll need to pay the extra amount directly to the driver.
Example fares:
You can travel with whānau, friends, or a carer — up to the number of passengers allowed in the vehicle. Please note that discounts may vary in other regions of New Zealand.
Metro has a range of fare concessions available for travel in Greater Christchurch and Timaru. Find out more about accessible travel on Metro services in Greater Christchurch and Timaru
Greater Christchurch:
More concessions and discounts: Explore Metrocard concessions and discounts and find the fare that’s right for you.
Timaru:
Book MyWay by Metro: Call 03 688 5544, download the MyWay by Metro App, or visit a participating booking location
To join the scheme, contact an approved Total Mobility Agency to request an assessment to determine eligibility. If you are not sure which agency would be suitable, then your doctor should be able to refer you.
The other option is to go directly through the general agency, which can vary depending on where you live in Waitaha Canterbury. The general agency can determine your eligibility and, if eligible, issue you a card themselves.
Most agencies charge a small assessment fee.
Total Mobility is available to people who cannot use public transport independently because of a long-term impairment.
You may be eligible if your impairment prevents you from completing one or more parts of a public transport journey safely and with dignity, including:
Eligibility is based on how your impairment affects your ability to travel, not on your age or income. Contact an approved Total Mobility agency to arrange an assessment.
Questions about who can join, what documents are needed, transferring cards, updating photos, and fees.
Q: How long will it take for my new card to arrive after I request one?
A: A new card replacement can take up to two weeks to arrive.
Q: I've just moved to Canterbury, how do I transfer my existing card?
A: You will need to request a replacement card through a Canterbury agency.
Q: Can I update the photo on my card?
A: Contact your agency — there may be a fee for this.
Q: Is there an annual fee and how do I pay it?
A: Annual fees may vary depending on the agency — contact them to discuss costs and payment options.
Q: Can my child use their Total Mobility card for travel to and from school?
A: No — the card is not intended for school transport. Other alternatives exist through the Ministry of Education.
Q: Is Total Mobility the best option for my mobility needs?
A: Other funding options include ACC, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, Workbridge, and Rest Home transport. Total Mobility covers trips not supported by these schemes.
Q: Can I take a support person or carer with me?
A: Yes, anyone can travel with you at no extra subsidy cost, as long as they travel the entire journey with you.
Q: Can I use the scheme anywhere in New Zealand?
A: Your Total Mobility card can be used with approved providers in other regions, where Total Mobility is available, but the subsidy rate may differ.
Once approved, you’ll receive a Total Mobility photo ID card. Show this card to approved taxi or transport operators to receive your fare discount.
To book a trip:
Example of a Total Mobility card
Information about advanced bookings and what to do if you encounter issues with your card.
Q: Do I need to book in advance?
A: We recommend booking ahead, especially during peak hours. Some providers may accommodate last-minute trips, but availability is not guaranteed.
Q: I forgot my card and paid for travel without the discount - can I keep the receipt and get it reimbursed?
A: No, unfortunately not.
Q: My card doesn’t work – what do I do?
A: If your card doesn’t work, ask the driver to restart the terminal. If it still fails, pay the full fare, keep the receipt, and contact your agency.
Q: What if I lose my Total Mobility card?
A: If you lose your Total Mobility card a new card will need to be requested. Please get in touch with your agency to organise a replacement card. You will not be eligible for the discount until your new card arrives. Please note, ordering a new card will cancel your old card. Even if your old card is found it cannot be used.
Q: I forgot my card and paid for travel without the discount — can I get reimbursed?
A: No, unfortunately not.
Q: My card has been suspended; can I get it reactivated?
A: Call the advisory team on 0800 324 636 to request this information.
Q: Is there an annual fee and how do I pay it?
A: Annual fees may vary depending on the agency you are with. Please contact your agency directly to discuss the costs and to organise payments for these.
Q: Can my child use their Total Mobility card for travel to and from school?
A: No — the card is not intended for school transport. Alternative options are available through the Ministry of Education.
Q: Is Total Mobility the best option for my mobility needs?
A: Other funding options include ACC, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, Workbridge, and rest home transport. Rest home providers that receive government funding are responsible for meeting the cost of transporting residents for stipulated health and medical services.
If other funding sources are available, they should be utilised ahead of Total Mobility. This is to the user’s benefit, as the level of subsidy is greater. However, even if you have access to alternative funding sources, they may only cover some travel needs. If this leaves other transport needs unmet, you may still want access to Total Mobility to serve these needs.
Q: What if I receive other transport funding?
A: Total Mobility should not be a substitute for transport more appropriately covered by other government agencies such as ACC, WINZ, Ministry of Education, Workbridge, or Te Whatu Ora. Your Total Mobility card cannot be used for trips that are already 100% funded but can be used if other funding only covers a portion of the fare.
Q: How can I get a parking permit for disabled parking?
A: These permits are managed by an external organisation CCS Disability Action. Find out more about mobility parking.
Find approved transport providers, fare information and booking details for Total Mobility services across Canterbury.
Fare summaries on this page show the most common charges.
Download the full fare schedules for your area to view complete pricing, surcharges and conditions.
Questions about:
Call our Advisory Team on 0800 324 636
Talk to the company first. If the issue isn't resolved, call 0800 324 636
The Christchurch Total Mobility Committee advises on planning, funding, and running the scheme.