Total Mobility boon for the disabled
Nz-wide scheme being introduced in district in stages, starting in Thames
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 April 1 and June 30, all Total Mobility users will receive 75 per cent off their fare up to the regional cap, instead of the normal 50 per cent 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 Thamescoromandel representative on the 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 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.
“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, complete this form to register your interest,” Tegg said.
“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 for the general public,” said Tegg
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