Government Cuts Total Mobility Subsidy from 75% to 65% for 120,000 Disabled and Elderly New Zealanders
Over 120,000 elderly and disabled New Zealanders will face higher transport costs due to a government decision to cut the Total Mobility subsidy. Effective July 1, 2026, the subsidy will drop from 75% to 65%, and regional fare caps will be lowered by approximately 10%.
Transport Minister Chris Bishop stated that rising costs made the current subsidy level unsustainable. The government announced these changes as part of a plan to stabilise the scheme, ensuring the disability community receives support in a "financially sustainable" way through shared funding from central government, the NZTA, and local partners.
Transport Minister Chris Bishop stated that rising costs made the current subsidy level unsustainable.
