Travel and Transport

Getting to an activity can require more planning than the activity itself. NDIS transport support may help address disability-related barriers, but the right arrangement depends on the assistance you need and the funding available in your plan.

Before booking, separate three questions: how you will travel, whether you need a worker’s assistance, and how each part of the journey will be paid for.

Different transport arrangements serve different purposes

Recurring transport funding can help eligible participants pay for travel to work, study, community activities and other regular destinations. The NDIA describes taxis, rideshare and other private travel in its recurring supports guidance. Check your plan rather than assuming that every participant receives this funding.

Support while travelling may involve a worker accompanying you or assisting with a journey connected to a funded activity. Ask the provider to identify the support being delivered, any transport charges and the funding they propose to use.

Learning travel skills has a different focus: practising the steps needed for a journey, such as identifying a stop or asking for help. Discuss whether this kind of support fits your goals and plan.

Describe the whole journey

A useful travel request includes more than a pickup address. Explain:

• The destination, appointment or activity start time, and expected finish.
• Where the worker should meet you and whether you need help at the entrance.
• Any access requirements for the vehicle and destination.
• Whether support is needed during the activity or only for the journey.
• Your communication preferences and what helps if plans change.
• How the return trip will be arranged.

For a regular appointment, you could ask the provider to confirm the meeting point in advance and allow enough time for the journey without rushing. If an appointment runs late, an agreed contact and backup plan can reduce uncertainty.

Get an itemised explanation of costs

Ask for a quote that separates support time, transport costs and any other charges. Check whether waiting time, parking, tolls or travel to reach you are included, and which charges apply to your particular arrangement. Ask how shared journeys are charged if you travel with other participants.

The NDIA publishes current pricing information. Your provider should be able to explain the relevant arrangements in plain language. A quoted amount is not proof that a cost can be paid from your plan.

Keep ordinary travel costs in mind. Public transport fares are listed among supports that are not NDIS supports. Assistance to use public transport and the fare itself are different costs; clarify both before making plans.

Make accessibility a specific conversation

If you use a mobility aid, explain the requirements before a vehicle is allocated. Ask whether the provider can accommodate the equipment and the assistance you need. A description such as “accessible transport” should lead to a discussion of the actual vehicle and arrangements.

Ask what happens if a vehicle or worker becomes unavailable. For time-sensitive journeys, agree on how early you will be told and whom to contact. For a medical emergency, call 000; a booked disability transport service is not an emergency response service.

Common questions

Can I use any part of my NDIS budget for transport?

Do not assume all budgets are interchangeable. Check the type of funding, the proposed support and your plan’s conditions. Your my NDIS contact can help explain unclear funding arrangements.

What if I want to become more confident on public transport?

Discuss a specific route and the steps you want to practise. Our life skills guide explains how to turn an everyday task into a manageable learning goal.

Discuss travel support with Harissons Disability Care

Visit Harissons Disability Care’ travel and transport assistance page. Contact the team with your location, destination, timing and access requirements to check suitable arrangements and availability. If the journey is part of an outing, read our community participation guide too.

Information checked 4 September 2026.