Total Mobility is a nationwide scheme aimed at giving people with disabilities mobility options. and Waikato Regional Council is rolling out the scheme in Thames Coromandel.  This will be done in a phased approach starting in Thames and then in Whangamata, Whitianga and Coromandel Town.  There is further good news for the disabled community – Between 1 April and 30 June 2022, all Total Mobility users will receive 75% off their fare up to the regional cap, instead of the normal 50% reduction.

“Some disabled people are unable to walk to the nearest bus stop or get on and off a bus because of pain, respiratory problems, inability to see or hear, they rely on complex walking aids or need someone else’s help to get around,” said Thames-Coromandel representative on the regional council, Denis Tegg.

“They face enormous financial and physical challenges getting to medical appointments, shopping or visiting friends and relatives, especially in rural areas, so it’s fantastic that the regional council is bringing the Total Mobility scheme to our district,” said Cr Tegg.

The scheme is open to people of all ages with a physical, intellectual, psychological, sensory or neurological disability that prevents them from undertaking a journey unaccompanied on a bus, train or ferry in a safe and dignified manner. People living in residential care facilities such as rest homes are eligible for the scheme.

“We’re taking details now and will be in touch to help organise assessments for the scheme if you live within the Thames Coromandel District Council boundaries,” Cr Tegg said.

Complete this form  to register your interest

For more information

“This new scheme for the disabled will augment the $400,000 in assistance the regional council has recently provided to volunteer community transport providers to install wheelchair lifts in their vehicles and make other improvements to their services,” said Cr Tegg

Denis Tegg – Thames-Coromandel elected representative on the Waikato Regional Council