Specialised transport

NDIS Core support

Transport in a vehicle suited to a person’s needs, for example one with a wheelchair lift or extra assistance for getting in and out.

The short answer

Specialised transport is transport in a vehicle suited to your needs, for example one with a wheelchair lift, or with a driver trained to help you get in and out.

About Specialised transport

For some people, a standard taxi or car is not an option. Specialised transport provides vehicles that are accessible, such as vans with lifts and secure wheelchair fittings, and drivers who are trained to assist with transfers, restraints and any additional needs.

Services vary. Some transport people to appointments, activities and social events, while others run regular routes for programs. Bookings may need to be made in advance, and some services are limited by area and hours.

When choosing, ask about the vehicles and how equipment is secured, the training and screening of drivers, how bookings and changes work and what happens if a vehicle is delayed. Check whether an assistant travels with you if you need one, and whether trips are shared with others.

Who is this service for?

People who need transport in a vehicle suited to their needs, such as one with a wheelchair lift or extra help getting in and out.

What a typical session looks like

Specialised transport takes people to and from school, work, appointments and activities when regular transport does not meet their needs. A typical trip starts with a driver or attendant collecting you at the door, helping you into a vehicle that suits your mobility needs and making sure you are safely secured.

During the trip, staff are attentive to your comfort, and they can help with communication, behaviour or health needs. They take you to the door of the destination and, where needed, help you inside. Services often run on a regular timetable for school and work, with flexible bookings for appointments.

Who delivers this support

Specialised transport is provided by disability transport services, community transport organisations and some schools and workplaces. Drivers and attendants should hold the right licences, screening and training, and vehicles need to be maintained and suitable for wheelchairs or other equipment. Ask about safety standards and what to do if a trip is delayed.

How to choose a provider

Questions to ask a provider

Common mistakes to avoid

Getting started

  1. Write down where and when you need to travel.
  2. Contact providers and ask about vehicles and availability.
  3. Book a trial trip if you can.
  4. Agree how regular trips will be arranged.

How it fits with the rest of your plan

Specialised transport works alongside other transport supports such as allowances and activity-based transport. It suits people who cannot use public transport safely or who need equipment or help during the trip. Reliability is important, so it helps to know how a provider handles delays, cancellations and changes.

Eligibility

You can use NDIS funding for Specialised transport if it is included in your NDIS plan. The NDIS funds supports that are reasonable and necessary: they relate to your disability, help you pursue your goals and represent value for money. Not sure whether it is in your plan? Check your plan, or ask your planner, Local Area Coordinator or support coordinator. You can also arrange it privately.

Funding

Core supports help with everyday activities and are usually the most flexible part of an NDIS plan. If Specialised transport is in your plan, it is normally paid from a Core budget. Your plan shows how much you have and how it can be used. Many NDIS supports have price limits, so ask providers for a quote and check it against the current NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits. Whether your plan is managed by the NDIA, by a plan manager or by you, ask for a written quote and a service agreement before you start. If your plan is plan-managed or self-managed you can use providers who are not registered with the NDIS. If it is NDIA-managed you generally need a registered provider.

What it costs

Supports such as Specialised transport that are funded by the NDIS are paid at rates that follow the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits, which the NDIA reviews regularly. Many items have a maximum price, and some prices are higher in remote areas. Before you start, ask for a written quote that lists each support, the hours and the price, and check it against the current NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits on the NDIS website. A provider may charge less than a limit. If you pay privately, the provider sets its own fees. Plan-managed and self-managed participants can also use providers who are not registered, and those providers set their own prices.

Transport providers on the NDIS register

13,939 NDIS providers list transport supports on the NDIS Commission register of registered providers. A register listing shows what the register says, not who has capacity.

Providers listing transport

See all 13,939 transport providers

Listings by state and territory

Suburbs with the most listings

Listings covering the most areas

Checking credentials

Regulation and safeguards

NDIS providers and their workers must follow the NDIS Code of Conduct, and registered providers are regulated by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.

Related services

Sources and further reading

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Helpful reading

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