Does she stand by her statement regarding the Total mobility Scheme that “we had providers around the country that were threatening to withdraw from the scheme entirely”; if so, how many providers said they would withdraw from the scheme?

Answer

The Ministry of Cities, Environment, Regions, and Transport (MCERT) have advised the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha that concerns were raised about the financial sustainability of the Total Mobility Scheme and the possibility that services could be reduced or withdrawn if the scheme’s funding pressure were not addressed. In 2024/25, seven Public Transport Authorities (PTAs) forecast funding shortfalls from the increased demand: Auckland, Canterbury, Wellington, Otago, Invercargill, Bay of Plenty and Marlborough. More were expected to be in this position in 2025/26. Councils considered managing costs in different ways. Auckland Transport, Otago Regional Council and Invercargill City Council considered rejecting the Crown subsidy for Total Mobility and returning to the 50% in place before 2022. These councils accounted for around 44% of the Total Mobility subsidy.