Non-SATSS Access Taxi Card

The State Government is committed to continuing to implement a range of targeted initiatives to support a strong and sustainable taxi industry while providing a consistent service to customers and will continue to work with industry on improving how the point-to-point industry is regulated in South Australia.

The State Government has extended the application of the $25 lifting fee to Access Taxi customers who use a wheelchair, scooter or large (ride-on) mobility aide and are not currently a member of the South Australian Transport Subsidy Scheme (SATSS).

This arrangement was previously only available for SATSS members for trips booked through the Access Taxi Centralised Booking Service (Access Taxi CBS).

Non-SATSS customers who use a wheelchair, scooter or large (ride-on) mobility aide and are not currently a SATSS member can register for a non-SATSS Access Taxi Card.

A non-SATSS Access Taxi Card supports drivers in providing the lifting service for all eligible non-SATSS Access Taxi trips to ensure customers receive a consistent, accessible and reliable service. Customers who do not hold a non-SATSS Access Taxi Card can still book an Access Taxi.

From Monday 1 July 2024 non-SATSS Access Taxi Card holders will be required to present their card to drivers for the lifting fee to be applied. Customers who do not hold a non-SATSS Access Taxi Card can still book an Access Taxi.

What is changing?

The State Government is extending the $25 lifting fee application for non-SATSS trips, where:

the passenger is a holder of a non-SATSS Access Taxi Card;
the trip is booked through the Access Taxi CBS; and
where a customer uses a wheelchair, scooter or large (ride-on) mobility aide.

The lifting fee supports drivers to provide the lifting service for eligible Access Taxi trips to ensure customers receive a consistent, accessible and reliable service. The lifting fee is paid by the South Australian Government and is funded by the $1 levy. There is no additional cost to the customer.

A transitional period was in place from Friday 1 December 2023 to Sunday 30 June 2024 that allowed drivers to claim the lifting fee even if a customer did not present a non-SATSS Access Taxi Card. From Monday 1 July 2024 non-SATSS Access Taxi Card holders will be required to present their card to drivers for the lifting fee to be applied.

The lifting fee is not applicable for non-SATSS trips that are covered under contracted arrangements with facilities such as schools. The lifting fee will apply to access trips booked by hospital staff in an individual capacity and where the metered fare is applied.

The lifting fee will be applied on a trial basis, pending the outcome of the current review of the Passenger Transport Act 1994. Further consideration is also being given to the arrangements for access taxis outside metropolitan Adelaide as part of the review.

Learn more about how the lifting fee works.

How can I register?

If you are an Access Taxi customer, use a wheelchair, scooter or large (ride-on) mobility aid, and are not currently a SATSS member you can now register to receive a non-SATSS Access Taxi Card.

How does it work?

When you book an Access Taxi you can let the Centralised Booking Service know that you have a non-SATSS Access Taxi Card.

At the start of your journey, present your non-SATSS Access Taxi Card to your driver so the barcode can be scanned.

If registered, an automatic text or email notification will be sent to your nominated carer or personal contact. The notification will include a link to a map showing the exact route a driver is taking for your journey. The link will be valid for 2 hours.

Once you have reached your destination, your non-SATSS Access Taxi Card will be scanned again to record that the journey has ended.

If you have provided your email address, you will be emailed a summary which includes information about your journey and the total fare amount.

The driver will then receive a lifting fee that will cover their time assisting you in and out of the Access Taxi.

Am I eligible for other transport assistance?

If you are a permanent resident of South Australia who has a severe or permanent disability which limits your capacity to use public transport independently, you may be eligible for SATSS. Visit the SATSS website for more information.

I am currently a SATSS member, what do I need to do?

As a SATSS member there are no changes to you and you can continue to use your current SATSS ID card to access your SATSS subsidised trips.

You will still receive real time journey information and automatic notifications will be sent to your nominated carer or alternative contact if this is set up.

SATSS members who travel within metropolitan and regional areas can now choose to use up to three vouchers or trips to subsidise high-fare journeys.

For fares under $41, SATSS members may use one voucher or trip. For fares between $41 and $81 (inclusive) up to two vouchers or trips may be used. For fares above $81 three vouchers or trips may be used.