Northern Territory Taxi Subsidy Scheme

How it works

How does the taxi subsidy scheme work?

The scheme provides eligible members with a subsidy of half of a taxi fare. The other half of the fare is to be paid in cash and/or credit/card by the member.

There are five categories of benefit (A, BMPV, B, C and D). Eligibility for each category is based on the assessed need of the applicant and applications may be approved on a permanent or temporary basis depending on their disability and inability to use public transport.

After approval of an application every new member of the taxi subsidy scheme is issued with an electronic smartcard which is embedded with a microchip. The microchip will store only the member number, card number, and membership start and expiry dates. Each time the smartcard is used the subsidy balance will be updated.

Note:

• It is your responsibility to keep your smartcard in a safe place, for example, place your card in your bag, wallet or purse.
• If your smartcard is lost or stolen you must notify the Taxi Subsidy Scheme Officer immediately to have it cancelled and a new card reordered.

 

About your electronic smartcard

Each member is issued with a NTTSS smartcard. The smartcard is designed to help protect the members’ subsidy by ensuring that only the correct subsidy amount for a taxi trip is deducted from the card.   As a further safeguard the new smartcard will display the member’s photo, similar to a photo on a driver licence.

Note:

• You must show your smartcard to the taxi driver at the start of each journey.
• This smartcard is your only proof that you are an authorised member of the scheme.
• You will have to pay the full fare if you cannot produce your smartcard.
• Temporary members are not permitted to use their smartcard after the expiry date printed on the card.

 

How much will I pay for travel?

When you use the card it will pay half your taxi fare subject to your card balance. You will pay the other half of the prescribed fare at the end of each journey.

 

How do I use the Smartcard?

At the beginning of each journey, you must provide the driver with your card and your subsidy balance will first be checked.

After the trip, you must pay half the fare amount by either cash and/or credit/debit card. You will be provided with a receipt which will show the new subsidy balance.

This type of card needs to be inserted in the EFTPOS terminal and left in place until the transaction is completed. Transactions are limited to 50 percent of the total fare per journey and the subsidies amount cannot exceed the member’s available balance.

Note:

• It is the member's responsibility to check the details—for example, check that correct fare has been charged.
• After the journey, the member must remember to take their card.

 

Where can I travel?

You can travel in cities, towns and country areas throughout the Northern Territory. Members may use any taxi service in the Northern Territory, but all journeys must be travelled by the shortest route.

 

Can I travel outside the state?

Members of the scheme may apply by phone for specific interstate travel vouchers for use in other States and Territories of Australia.

Note:

• Members may use the interstate vouchers with any taxi service outside the Northern Territory.

 

Can a friend travel with me?

Other people may travel in the taxi, but only when the member of the scheme is in the taxi. The NTTSS smartcard is to be used for your personal travel only, it cannot be used for sending other people on errands or parcel deliveries.

 

Wheelchair accessible taxis

In addition to conventional standard taxis, vehicles specially modified to accept wheelchairs are increasingly being made available. Where wheelchair accessible taxis are available, people using wheelchairs will be given first priority. This is a specific condition of the Multiple Purpose Taxi license issued by the Department of Planning and Infrastructure.

 

Misuse of the scheme

Misrepresentation or fraudulent use of the taxi subsidy scheme may affect your entitlements under the scheme.

Note:

• This includes any act of obtaining, or helping someone else obtain a financial benefit under the scheme to which a person is not entitled.
• All suspected incidents of dishonest use of the scheme should be reported to the Taxi Subsidy Scheme Officer.

Please download the application form or contact the Taxi Subsidy Scheme Officer for further information.