West Coast Transport Subsidy Slashed for Elderly and Disabled Residents

The West Coast Regional Council has approved a 10% cut to the Total Mobility fare cap, increasing costs for the elderly and disabled starting July 1.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 16, 2026, 3:56 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

The "Catch-22" of Success

The Total Mobility scheme is a joint initiative between central and local government designed to assist those with long-term impairments. On the West Coast, the program has been victims of its own success; an increase in the subsidy rate to 75% in 2022 led to a surge in demand that has now outstripped regional budgets. West Coast Regional Council policy manager Max Dickens noted that councils nationwide are struggling to account for the ballooning costs associated with the program's popularity.

Impact on the User's Pocket

The adjustment shifts a larger portion of the financial burden onto the user. Under the current 75% subsidy model, a top-tier fare saw users paying $7.50. With the new $27 cap and adjusted funding distributions, that same trip will now cost the user $9.45.

Funding Breakdown for Top Fare ($27):

User Contribution: $9.45 (Up from $7.50)