Changes to Total Mobility Scheme from 1 July

Published: 15 June 2026

Changes to the Total Mobility scheme will come into effect across Hawke’s Bay from 1 July 2026, as part of a nationwide update to the scheme’s funding settings.

Total Mobility provides subsidised door-to-door transport for people with long-term and permanent impairments who are unable to use public transport. In Hawke’s Bay, the scheme is managed and operated by Hawke’s Bay Regional Council (HBRC), working with transport providers to support cardholders across the region.

From 1 July 2026, the Total Mobility subsidy will reduce from 75 percent to 65 percent, and the maximum fare cap the subsidy applies to will reduce from $50 to $45 per trip.

These changes are being made across the country based on a decision by central government to keep the Total Mobility scheme financially sustainable, both for central government and councils.

“For many people, Total Mobility is an important part of daily life. From July, the updated national funding settings will apply in Hawke’s Bay. We recognise this reduction in subsidy will have a real impact on some of the people who depend on Total Mobility most, and we are working with providers to ensure people understand what is changing and can continue to access the scheme with confidence,” an HBRC spokesperson says.

What is not changing

• Eligibility for the Total Mobility scheme
• How Total Mobility cards are used
• Approved transport operators
• Access to subsidised door-to-door transport services

Day-to-day use of the scheme will remain the same. Cardholders can continue to use their cards with approved transport providers as they do now. Click here for more details.

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