Transport Options Under the NDIS: What You Need to Know

Living with a disability shouldn’t mean being stuck at home. Getting around, going to appointments, work, and social events are all essential for independence, connection, and well-being. If you are a participant with Choice Support Plus (or considering becoming one), here’s a guide to the transport options you may be able to access, how payments and budgets work, and ways to reduce costs.

Who’s Eligible for NDIS Transport Funding

The NDIS provides funding for transport supports when the participant:

• Can’t use public transport independently because of their disability (this might include physical, cognitive, sensory, or mobility issues).

• Requires reasonable and necessary supports that are connected to achieving goals (e.g. getting to work, study, therapy, engaging in the community).

• Shows that existing options (like public transport or informal supports) aren’t adequate or safe.

It’s important to raise these transport needs during your NDIS planning meeting or plan review, and document any challenges (for example, inability to get on/off public transport, long distances, etc). Medical or therapist reports may help.

What Kinds of Transport Supports are Available

Here are the main types of transport assistance NDIS may fund:

Type of Support

How Payments/Charges Work

Here’s how the money side generally works:

• The transport funding is part of your plan’s budget. It may be under Core Supports or sometimes within Capacity Building (if for training).

• Depending on how your plan is managed (NDIA-managed, Plan-managed, or Self-managed), you will pay or have invoices submitted by transport providers.

  • NDIA-managed: You use NDIS-registered providers, and invoices are handled via the NDIA.

  • Plan-managed: You select providers (registered or, in some cases, non-registered, depending) and the plan manager handles payments.

  • Self-managed: You arrange and pay for transport, then keep records and submit claims or manage your budget manually.

• Providers may charge by distance (kilometres), time, type of vehicle (if modified or specialised), or just a flat fee (for taxis, etc). Sometimes there are higher fees for accessible or modified transport.

• You’ll need to keep receipts/invoices for all transport uses (especially if self-managing or involving plan managers) to show what you used funds for.

Understanding NDIS Transport Rates

According to the 2025-2026 NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits, the transport costs are worked out for different vehicles:

• Up to $1.00/km for unmodified vehicles

• Up to $2.76/km for modified vehicles or buses

These aren’t fixed prices. They are notional unit prices, meaning that the invoices are shown in $1.00 units, and the number of units is adjusted to match the real cost.

Here’s an example:

If a participant is transported 26km in a modified vehicle, the actual cost is 26 x $2.76 = $71.76

To align with the pricing structure, its invoices are at 71.76 units for transport at $1.00 per unit under the group support line item.

At first glance, this might look like more units are being charged, but the system is designed to benefit participants. Modified vehicles can carry more people and support different needs, which means that the total cost can be shared across several participants, which keeps the overall cost lower for everyone.

Free, Low-cost or Alternative Transport Options

While much of transport under NDIS involves some cost, there are ways to reduce or avoid expenses. Some options include:

• Public transport concessions/free passes: If you are eligible under your state/territory scheme, discounted fares or free transport options can help. These are usually separate from NDIS but very useful.

• Taxi subsidy schemes: Many states have schemes that reduce taxi fares for people with disability. They might cover part of the fare, so your NDIS transport funding isn't used up.

• Community transport services: Many councils or non-profits run transport services for people with mobility challenges. These are often subsidised or low-cost.

• Volunteer driver programs: In some areas, volunteers help transport people to medical appointments, shopping, and social events. These may be free or low-cost.

• Support worker transporting you: If you have support workers already, sometimes transport is folded into what they do (if aligned with your goals). This can reduce the need to hire separate transport services.

• Planning/training to use public transport: If you can access public transport with a little support/training, it can dramatically reduce costs compared to private taxis.

What’s Not Covered/Limitations

It’s just as important to know what the NDIS generally does not pay for:

• Everyday transport costs that are not directly due to your disability (if you could reasonably use public transport on your own).

• Transport for carers/family members when providing transport only (unless part of required support work).

• Regular vehicle maintenance, car loans, etc, unless part of an approved modification or necessity.

• Basic infrastructure or transport system improvements (e.g. footpaths, public transport accessibility upgrades). That’s government responsibility, not NDIS support.

Conclusion

Transport can be one of the biggest enablers of independence for NDIS participants. With Choice Support Plus by your side, you don’t need to navigate all of this alone. Understanding what transport supports are available, what funding you have, and what free or low-cost alternatives exist can make a difference in planning your participation in work, community, or fun.