A Guide to the ACT Taxi Subsidy Scheme
Taxi fares can add up quickly when public transport is not a practical option. For some Canberrans, a short trip to a medical appointment, work, study, social activity or the shops is not simple without door-to-door transport.
The ACT Taxi Subsidy Scheme helps reduce that cost for eligible ACT residents who have a disability or significant mobility limitation. It does this by subsidising part of eligible taxi fares, so members pay less when they travel by taxi.
This guide explains who may be eligible, what the scheme generally covers, common examples, and how to apply. Scheme rules can change, so always check the official ACT Government information before applying or booking travel.
What the ACT Taxi Subsidy Scheme is
The ACT Taxi Subsidy Scheme is a government assistance program for ACT residents who cannot use public transport easily because of disability, illness or a serious mobility restriction.
For approved members, the scheme pays a portion of eligible taxi fares. The passenger pays the remaining amount.
The scheme is not a general transport discount and it is not based only on age, distance from services or low income. Its purpose is to help people whose disability or mobility limitation makes ordinary public transport difficult, unsafe or unsuitable.
A person might use the scheme for:
medical and allied health appointments
work, volunteering or study
shopping and personal errands
social visits and community activities
connections to other transport, where suitable
The exact subsidy level, trip rules and current application forms are set by the ACT Government. You can check the official information on the ACT Revenue Office Taxi Subsidy Scheme webpage.
Who may be eligible
Eligibility focuses on disability or mobility need. In broad terms, the scheme is for ACT residents who have a condition that substantially limits their ability to use public transport.
A person may be considered if they:
live in the ACT
have a disability, medical condition or mobility limitation that affects transport access
cannot safely or reasonably use buses, light rail or other public transport without major difficulty
can provide medical or professional evidence to support the application
The condition usually needs to be more than a short-term inconvenience. A temporary injury, such as a sprained ankle or short recovery after minor surgery, may not be enough on its own. By contrast, a long-term condition that makes walking to a stop, waiting, boarding or travelling safely difficult may support eligibility.
The ACT Government will assess the application against specific criteria. That assessment can consider the nature of the condition, its impact on daily travel, and whether public transport is a practical option.
Examples of people who may qualify
These examples are general only. They show the kinds of situations the scheme is designed for, not guaranteed outcomes.
A person who uses a wheelchair may be eligible if they need wheelchair accessible transport and cannot use regular public transport for many trips.
A person with severe arthritis or a neurological condition may be eligible if they cannot walk the distance to a bus stop or light rail stop, cannot stand safely while waiting, or cannot board without significant risk.
A person with significant vision impairment may be eligible if they cannot travel independently on public transport and need door-to-door transport to move around safely.
A person with a cognitive, psychosocial or neurological disability may be eligible if their condition makes public transport unsafe or unmanageable, even if they can walk short distances.
A person undergoing treatment for a serious long-term illness may be eligible if fatigue, pain, reduced mobility or treatment effects make public transport unsuitable.
Examples that may not qualify
Some situations, while still difficult, may fall outside the scheme.
A person may not qualify only because taxis are more convenient than public transport.
A person may not qualify only because they live far from a bus route, unless they also meet the disability or mobility criteria.
A person may not qualify for a temporary condition that is expected to resolve quickly.
A person may not qualify only because they are older. Age by itself is not usually the test. The focus is on functional transport need.
The best approach is to read the official criteria and speak with a treating doctor or health professional if the impact of the condition is not obvious on paper.
What the scheme covers
The scheme generally subsidizes part of approved taxi travel for eligible members. The passenger still pays the unsubsidized portion of the fare.
The official rules set out the current subsidy rate, any maximum amount per trip, how the subsidy is applied, and which taxi services can accept it. These details matter because they can affect how much a passenger pays at the end of a trip.
Travel feature | What it usually means |
Subsidized taxi fares | The scheme contributes towards eligible taxi trips taken by approved members. |
Member contribution | The passenger pays the remaining fare after the subsidy is applied. |
Trip limits and caps | The ACT Government may set limits, caps or conditions on how the subsidy works. |
Accessible taxis | Members who need wheelchair accessible taxis may be able to use the scheme for those trips, subject to the rules. |
Taxi travel | The scheme is for taxi services that participate in or can process the subsidy. It is not a general rideshare discount (such as Uber or Lyft). |
Because payment systems and fare rules can change, it is sensible to confirm before travelling that the taxi can process the subsidy.
How to apply
Applying is usually a paper or online form process, supported by evidence from a medical health professional (such as GP or specialist) or Occupational Therapist (OT). The official ACT Revenue Office page should be the starting point because it provides the current form and instructions.
1. Check the official eligibility criteria
Before completing the form, read the ACT Government information carefully. Check whether the scheme matches the transport difficulty being experienced.
Look for details such as:
who can apply
what evidence is needed
who can complete the medical section
where to send the form
what happens after approval
how renewals or reassessments work
This step can save time. It also helps the health professional give the right kind of supporting information.
2. Gather applicant details
The application will generally ask for personal details such as name, address and contact information. The applicant may also need to confirm ACT residency.
Depending on the form, supporting documents may be needed. These could include proof of identity, proof of address or other documents requested by the ACT Government.
Do not send original documents unless the application instructions specifically ask for them.
3. Ask a health professional to complete the medical section
The medical professional (GP, specialist or OT) evidence is often the most important part of the application.
A health professional may need to explain:
the diagnosis or condition
whether it is temporary, long-term or permanent
how it affects walking, standing, balance, stamina, vision, cognition or safety
why public transport is not suitable
whether wheelchair accessible transport is required
The strongest evidence focuses on function. A diagnosis alone may not explain the transport problem.
For example, instead of only stating that a person has Parkinson’s disease, the evidence might explain that they have freezing episodes, falls risk, poor balance, severe fatigue and cannot safely stand at stops or board vehicles without assistance.
4. Complete the form carefully
Read every section before submitting. Missing signatures, incomplete medical information or unclear answers can delay the application.
Before sending it, check that:
the applicant details are complete
the residency information is included
the medical section is signed and dated where required
supporting documents are attached
contact details are current
the declaration has been signed
If someone is helping with the application, such as a family member, carer or support worker, make sure the form allows this and that any consent sections are completed.
5. Submit the application to the ACT Government
Use the submission method listed on the official form or webpage. This may include email, post or another approved channel.
Keep a copy of the completed application and any attachments. If the application is sent by email, keep the sent message. If posted, consider using a trackable option if the documents are important.
Processing times can vary. The ACT Government may contact the applicant or health professional if more information is needed.
6. Wait for the decision and follow the instructions
If approved, the applicant will receive instructions on how to use the subsidy. This may include a member card, account details, vouchers or another approved method.
Read the approval information before the first trip. It should explain how the subsidy is applied, any conditions, and what to do if the card or details are lost.
If the application is not approved, the decision letter or notice may explain the reason and whether any review or further information process is available.
How to use the subsidy once approved
A smooth trip usually starts before getting into the taxi.
When booking, tell the operator if the passenger will use the ACT Taxi Subsidy Scheme. If a wheelchair accessible taxi is needed, say so clearly. If the passenger needs extra time getting in or out, mention that too.
At the start of the trip, confirm with the driver that the subsidy can be processed. At the end of the trip, check the fare and pay the passenger portion.
Members should also keep records if something goes wrong, such as:
the date and time of the trip
the taxi number, if available
the fare charged
what happened
any receipt or booking reference
These details can help if a fare needs to be queried.
Common mistakes that delay applications
Most delays come from missing information or evidence that does not explain the transport impact clearly.
Common problems include:
incomplete applicant details
unsigned forms
medical evidence that lists a diagnosis but not the travel limitation
no explanation of why buses or light rail are unsuitable
missing proof of ACT residency
outdated contact details
sending the form to the wrong place
A short, specific explanation is better than vague wording. For example, “cannot walk more than 50 meters without severe pain and falls risk” is more useful than “has difficulty getting around”, if it accurately describes the person’s situation.
Tips for carers, family members and support workers
Many applicants get help from someone they trust. That can make the process easier, especially when forms, medical appointments and transport needs feel overwhelming.
Good support means helping the person describe their own travel barriers clearly. It also means avoiding assumptions.
Useful questions include:
What parts of public transport are hardest?
Is the problem walking to the stop, waiting, boarding, travelling or getting home?
Are there safety concerns, such as falls, confusion, panic, pain or fatigue?
Does the person need wheelchair accessible transport?
Are there times of day when symptoms are worse?
What trips are being missed because taxi fares are too expensive?
These details help the application show the real-world impact of the condition.
Where to find the official ACT information
For current rules, forms, subsidy settings and contact details, use the official ACT Government source. The ACT Revenue Office page is the best place to start:
This guide is general information only. The official webpage and application form should guide any decision to apply.
The main takeaway is simple: the scheme is for ACT residents whose disability or mobility limitation makes public transport unsuitable, not just inconvenient. If that describes the situation, check the criteria, gather clear medical evidence, and submit a complete application. A well-prepared form gives the assessor the best chance of understanding why subsidized taxi travel is needed.
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