In Otago, 6,642 customers use the scheme in Dunedin, Oamaru, Balclutha, Queenstown and Wānaka.

Since the introduction of the 75% subsidy in 2022, Total Mobility services have seen a significant increase in passenger trips and cost to run the service. For the three years from July 2024 to June 2027, the forecast cost overrun is about $2.8 million.

ORC’s General Manager Regional Planning and Transport Manager Anita Dawe says “Four options will be presented to Councillors to consider. One is to maintain business as usual until a Ministry of Transport review is completed later in the year and guidance from NZTA is released. The second option is to maintain business as usual and increase ORC rates to ensure Total Mobility services are fully provided for. The third option is to investigate other options to lower expenditure. The fourth option is to ensure the sustainability of the scheme in the most equitable way by reviewing the amount users pay and trip limits.”

The staff recommendation is to continue providing Total Mobility services while also considering changes to the scheme to ensure it is sustainable. Ms Dawe says. “Under the scheme, people with a disability preventing them from using public transport could be eligible for a subsidy with contracted taxi and rideshare operators to provide door to door transport. Total Mobility provides an essential service by enabling people with a disability to use a form of public transport in an independent, safe and dignified way.”

Total Mobility schemes throughout the country are facing the same situation – where increased passenger numbers are also increasing costs.

The report will be presented to ORC’s council meeting this Wednesday (27 August). The report and full agenda are available at www.orc.govt.nz