Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme

TTSS

People with severe and permanent physical or intellectual disabilities qualify for assistance under the NSW Government's Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme (TTSS). To be eligible for fare assistance under the TTSS the disability must be severe and permanent and come within the following categories of eligible disabilities:

• permanent inability to walk
• total and permanent dependence on a wheelchair
• severe mobility problems which require the permanent use of complex walking aids or constant assistance of another person
• total loss of vision or severely impaired sight
• severe and uncontrollable epilepsy
• severe intellectual disability causing socially unacceptable behaviour or requiring constant assistance if on public transport

In 1981 the NSW Government introduced the Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme (TTSS). This enables people with severe physical or intellectual disabilities to get out and about by subsidising their taxi fare up to $30 per trip. Each year thousands of people use the TTSS and spend millions of dollars on taxi fares.

The TTSS encourages people with disabilities to make use of taxis as a major means for increasing their mobility. People with disabilities may use the TTSS:

• to travel to work
• for shopping
• for getting to school or study
• to visit doctors or medical centres
• to visit friends and relations
• for a range of recreational purposes

They may travel alone or with family and friends. As a Taxi Driver you play an important role in increasing the independence of people with disabilities. For many of these people the taxi is their only means of transport.

TTSS Vouchers from other States and Territories of Australia

In 1999 all States and Territories of Australia agreed that TTSS participants who travel interstate could use TTSS vouchers. This means that special Interstate vouchers from other States or Territories can now be used in NSW and as a taxi driver you must accept these.

Note that the maximum subsidy varies in some States from $30. You must read the docket carefully to see how much the maximum subsidy is.

What the TTSS passenger needs on hiring a taxi

A TTSS passenger must be have a Docket for the Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme.

A TTSS passenger no longer has to carry a TTSS Identification card.

A letter from the NSW Department of Transport explains that a TTSS passenger no longer needs an identity card. The letter says "drivers may not refuse to transport a passenger who produces a travel docket for the payment of the subsidy amount".

Paying the metered fare using a TTSS docket

People with disabilities using the TTSS are entitled to a discount of 50% off the metered fare to a maximum of $30. The maximum $30 discount applies when the metered fare is $60 or greater than $60.

It is important that all details on the TTSS docket are completed fully and accurately.

When the TTSS passenger's journey is completed, ensure that all the following details are completed on the travel docket before the passenger leaves the taxi:

• Date of journey
• Full journey information
• Passenger's signature (if able to sign)
• Metered fare
• Amount paid by passenger
• Amount remaining (this is the TTSS subsidy)
• Trip explanation on the back of the docket if this is required

Passenger Unable to Sign

If the passenger is unable to sign the travel docket you can complete the docket for the passenger. This must be done in the presence of the passenger. If necessary you may endorse the docket "Passenger unable to sign" (PUTS).