Free Fares NZ, a Coalition of over 100 organisations calling for Free Fares for Total Mobility Card holders and others, has criticised the government’s announcement this week(1) that they will increase fares for TMC holders by 40% from July 2026.(2)

“To have the Total Mobility scheme cut back, and the price of transport increased for some of our most vulnerable is heartbreaking. Even small cuts to the Total Mobility scheme can have a big impact for disabled and older people on lower incomes.” says Free Fares spokesperson Patrick O’Connor. “Hiking up transport costs for disabled and older people right before Christmas is just cruel from this government.”

“The Total Mobility scheme provides subsidised travel to disabled and older people for whom public transport is inaccessible, and is a crucial enabler to support people to access services and participate in community life. These cuts would increase transport costs for disabled and older people for whom public transport is inaccessible and are a kick in the guts during a time when many people are struggling with the cost of living,” said Patrick.

Advocate Nick Ruane says, “The Total Mobility system should be properly funded so that disabled and older people can have the same access to our community to live their lives with dignity as every other person.”

“The announcement made by the government is very disappointing and will affect a lot of communities and those with disabilities. The reduction to 65%, and the reduction of 10% fare cap wasn't needed. This will make it harder to get around especially if they bring in fare capping and people won't be able to get to work or living life to their fullest,” said Krystle Crimmins, Free Fares NZ member, advocate, and Total Mobility Card holder.

“The lack of consultation on these changes is also alarming. This will come as a shock to many across the motu, and raises concerns about the future of the Total Mobility scheme and support for those who rely on it for mobility,” says Patrick O’Connor. “We need a commitment from this government that the Total Mobility scheme will stay and disabled and older people will still be able to access the transport they need.”

Free Fares NZ has been reaching out to their membership encouraging them to speak up for Total Mobility Cards. The campaign calls for fares to be fully free for Total Mobility Card holders and their support people, for students, for under 25s, and for Community Service Card holders.

Notes

1. See the government’s announcement at https://www.whaikaha.govt.nz/news/news/newsnewschanges-to-total-mobility-scheme https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/changes-ensure-continued-access-transport-subsidy-disability-community
2. A $10 fare with a 75% subsidy would cost $2.50, but a $10 fare with a 65% subsidy would cost $3.50, which is experienced as an increase of $1 out of $2.50 ie a 40% fare increase.

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