Mobility assistance scheme opens doors
Waipa¯ residents with a condition that makes travel tricky are encouraged to register for a scheme to helpmake getting out in the community easier and cheaper.
Total Mobility is anational doorto-door transport scheme involving disability agencies, taxi companies, other transport providers and local government.
Cambridge, Te Awamutu, haupo¯, Pirongia and other Waipa¯ residents maybe eligible for subsidised doorto-door transport with Total Mobility providers.
Waipa¯ District Council andWaka KotahiNZTransport Agency will cover half the fare, upto $12.50 per trip, with the user paying the rest.
Since launching inMay2019, the service has provided morethan 4300 trips to Waipa¯ residents.
Council’s transportation manager Bryan Hudsonsaid Total Mobility is a great solution for peoplewhohave conditions that limit their ability to get around on their own.
“By supporting our residents with subsidised trips, we’re ensuring people with mobility challenges can meet their daily needs in a safe and dignified manner.”
TeAwamuturesidentAnne Otto andher husbandGeoffrey have been using the scheme since it rolled out in Waipa¯ last year.
“With Total Mobility, weare able to spendmore time out and about going to cafes, shops and appointments,” said Anne.
“Wedon’t hesitate to use the schemewhenweneed it – andwe wouldhighlyrecommendthe service to anyone in the districtwhoneeds a little help getting fromAto B.”
Toregister your interest for the scheme, take the survey atwww. waipadc.govt.nz/tm or phone0800 WAIPADC(0800 924 723).
Once a Waipa¯ resident has registered their interest, they will be contacted to arrange an eligibility assessment.
Residentswhoregister their interest before Wednesday, December 16, can receive a free eligibility assessment.
Total Mobility is administered by Waikato Regional Council, with support from Waipa¯ District Council.