For thousands of Australians living with disability, transport isn't just a matter of convenience — it's a lifeline. Yet navigating the NDIS system to access reliable taxi services can feel like a maze. Whether you’re new to the scheme or looking to optimise your current plan, getting the right information and setup can make all the difference.
We’ll break down how NDIS travel assistance works, how to secure funding, and how to avoid the most common pitfalls that participants face when arranging transport under the NDIS.
Understanding how NDIS transport support works
Let’s start with the basics. The NDIS provides transport funding to participants who are unable to use public transport due to their disability. This funding is intended to support essential travel: medical appointments, community activities, work, education, or social participation.
The three levels of transport support are:
Level 1: For participants who engage in minimal activities outside the home, such as occasional social events.
Level 2: For those who regularly attend programs or part-time employment (1–2 days per week).
Level 3: For participants with high travel needs, like those in full-time work, education, or community programs.
The idea is to tailor the level of support to the frequency and importance of your travel. Importantly, this funding is generally allocated under the Core Supports budget, which gives participants some flexibility in how it's used.
The NDIS transport funding page provides a comprehensive overview of eligibility criteria and usage limits.
But knowing your entitlement is only half the battle — accessing it effectively is where many people get stuck.
Booking NDIS taxis: What to know before you ride
Once funding is in place, the next step is figuring out how to actually book services. This can vary significantly depending on how your NDIS plan is managed.
If you self-manage, you can choose any provider and pay directly, then claim reimbursement.
If you’re plan-managed, your plan manager pays invoices from your approved providers.
If you’re NDIA-managed, you must use registered NDIS transport providers.
When I helped a friend, Mateo — a wheelchair user with limited mobility — set up his NDIS transport, we ran into immediate hurdles. Some taxi services quoted steep rates that weren’t aligned with NDIS pricing. Others weren’t willing to wait past a scheduled pick-up time if appointments ran over. It was stressful, especially when his hospital check-ups couldn’t be rescheduled.
Eventually, we found a provider who offered consistent pricing, had an accessible vehicle with a rear hoist, and gave 24/7 booking access through an app. That’s when things started running smoothly.
Taxi bookings might seem straightforward, but the margin for misunderstanding, especially around invoicing, can leave you out of pocket.
Including taxi services in your NDIS plan
NDIS plans are all about proving “reasonable and necessary” need. If taxis are essential for your daily functioning, you'll need to communicate that clearly during your planning meeting or review.
This means:
Documenting the frequency and purpose of travel
Explaining why public transport is not viable
Providing written evidence from allied health professionals
In one review, we helped Mateo demonstrate that public buses couldn’t accommodate his electric wheelchair, and that his local train station lacked a lift. His OT wrote a letter confirming these limitations, and we presented a weekly schedule outlining his GP visits, hydrotherapy sessions, and part-time work.
This led to approval for dedicated funding under the travel assistance, giving him the flexibility to use taxis on demand.
If you’re unsure what to request, here’s a sample checklist:
Weekly travel destinations (include times and estimated distances)
Preferred taxi providers and estimated monthly costs
Notes from your support coordinator or therapist
Previous trip invoices (if relevant)
Most importantly, link your travel goals back to your broader plan goals: independence, health, community participation, and skill development.
Understanding how others navigate similar arrangements with accessible transport solutions can offer practical context when speaking with providers or planners.
If your plan includes support coordination, having clarity around choosing NDIS support services can help ensure your transport needs are aligned with your broader care arrangements.
Common pitfalls to avoid with NDIS taxi support
Even with approval and funding, many participants run into issues. Here are some of the most common — and how to stay ahead of them:
Lack of documentation
Not recording your trips accurately can delay reimbursements or trigger audits. Always keep:
Dates and purposes of trips
Provider invoices
Any out-of-pocket receipts
Using non-compliant providers
If your plan is NDIA-managed, you must use registered providers. Booking with non-registered companies could lead to claims being denied.
Overusing funds early
If you burn through funding in the first few months, it’s hard to justify a top-up without strong evidence. Space out trips when possible or prioritise transport for essential activities.
Inadequate service agreements
Always sign a clear agreement with your transport provider, including:
Hourly or per-trip rates
Cancellations and no-show fees
Service boundaries (metro vs rural)
We once had a situation where a driver cancelled two pickups due to vehicle breakdowns, without notifying the participant. Because there was no agreement in place, it was difficult to raise a complaint or find a resolution.
Transport not aligned with goals
The NDIS might question why you’re using taxis if the trips don’t clearly relate to plan goals. Keep your planner updated and tie all transport back to work, community, or personal development aims.
Getting the most out of your NDIS transport budget
Here are a few advanced tips to maximise the value of your funding:
Use transport in conjunction with other supports (e.g., combine OT sessions and social catchups in one round trip)
Schedule recurring bookings at off-peak times to avoid higher fares
Audit your transport use quarterly to check spending patterns
Use online NDIS budget trackers to avoid overspending
One participant I worked with realised they were overpaying for individual taxi trips when a support worker could drive them during a shift already budgeted in their plan. It was a small change that saved hundreds — and gave them more flexibility.
Final thoughts: Planning ahead makes all the difference
Reliable transport is a non-negotiable for living independently. But it doesn’t happen by accident. It takes planning, communication, and the right mix of services to build a setup that actually works.
If you’re just starting out, I’d recommend:
Reviewing the NDIS transport funding page regularly for updates
Preparing for your planning meeting with a clear travel case
Getting quotes from at least two providers
Thinking creatively about alternatives to traditional taxis
And if your current provider isn’t meeting your needs? You’re not stuck. Switch, negotiate, or escalate. It’s your right — and your ride.
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