The Taxi Subsidy Scheme provides an affordable and accessible transport option for people with a disability who experience profound difficulties using other modes of public passenger transport.

The Taxi Subsidy Scheme (TSS) subsidises taxi travel—half of the total fare, up to a maximum of $30 per trip—for people with severe disabilities.

TSS pays half the value of a member's taxi fare, up to a maximum fare of $60. There is no limit on the number of taxi journeys a member may take to attract the subsidy. The subsidy is paid to taxi drivers—members have no additional costs.

TSS membership lasts for a maximum of 5 years. To extend your membership, you must reapply before the expiry date.

If you have a temporary disability, 6 to 12 month memberships are available.

The Queensland Government has confirmed that eligible National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants can continue to access the TSS until appropriate transport support arrangements are in place, up to 31 October 2025.

The Queensland Government is focused on ensuring appropriate transport support arrangements are in place for NDIS-eligible TSS members and will continue to work with the Commonwealth to address this matter.

A Lift Payment of $20 (inclusive of GST) applies for each eligible Wheelchair Accessible Taxi (WAT) trip involving transportation of a TSS member who is required to travel in a wheelchair. The Lift Payment is not part of the taxi fare so there is no additional cost to a TSS member.

To be eligible for the Taxi Subsidy Scheme, you must fully meet at least one of the eligibility criteria listed below:

• physical disability requiring dependance on a wheelchair for all mobility outside the home
• severe ambulatory problem that cannot functionally be improved and restricts walking to an extremely limited distance
• total loss of vision or severe visual impairment (both eyes)
• severe and uncontrollable epilepsy with seizures involving loss of consciousness
• intellectual impairment or dementia resulting in the need to be accompanied by another person at all times for travel on public transport.
• severe emotional and/or behaviour disorders with a level of disorganisation resulting in the need to be accompanied by another person at all times for travel on public transport.

Once approved, your smartcard will be valid for a maximum of 5 years. You must reapply before your current smartcard expires.

If your disability is of a temporary nature, temporary membership may be granted for a period of 12 months to 2 years after which you must reapply.

The following reasons are not grounds for approval

• Difficulty in accessing bus/train due to availability, timetable, remoteness or terrain
• Financial constraints
• Pension/concession card holder
• Inability to drive
• Episodic mobility problems
• Short term mobility restrictions of five months or less, (for example, following surgery or acute injuries such as fractures).

• Phone: 1300 134 755
• Fax: 07 3236 1579
• Email: tssu@translink.com.au