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SA TRANSPORT SUBSIDY SCHEME
For more information go to www.opt.dtup.sa.gov.au
In 1987 the South Australian Government introduced the South Australian Transport Subsidy Scheme (SATSS) to enable people with disabilities a degree of social and recreational mobility. The scheme is administered by the Office of Public Transport.
Membership of the Scheme is open to those people with permanent and severe impairments whose mobility limitations prevent them from using public transport. The membership criteria focus on an applicant's mobility limitations; for this reason blindness or intellectual disability do not automatically make a person eligible to join the scheme. There is no age restriction.
Eligibility is assessed by one or more of the following mobility criteria:-
- total and permanent dependence on a wheelchair;
- severe permanent ambulatory problems resulting from paralysis or necessitating permanent use of large complex walking aids;
- permanent inability to negotiate three (3) bus steps 350mm high;
- inability to walk more than 100 metres without brief rests and;
- permanent inability to sit in public transport unrestrained.
Since the inception of the Scheme, a Government Medical Officer (GMO) has been employed to evaluate membership applications. The GMO categorises the applicants' impairment diagnosis in accordance with the World Health Organisation Impairment Classifications
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Transport Subsidy Scheme members are assessed as belonging to one of the following categories which reflect their mobility status:
M40 Ambulant members are able to use a standard taxi and receive a 50% subsidy per eligible taxi trip.
M50 Members in Wheelchairs who require the use of specialised taxis and vans and who receive a 75% subsidy per eligible taxi trip.
The subsidy applies to the first $40 of the metered fare. A member must cover the full amount of the fare over the $40 maximum limit. For example, if the fare is $42.50, a M40 member would then have to pay $22.50 (50% of $40 plus $2.50 for the remainder of the fare) and an M50 member would pay $12.50 (25% of the $40 plus $2.50 for the remainder of the fare).
Approved members of the Scheme receive a book of 80 vouchers, together with a laminated Identification Card containing the photograph, name, address and member number. A new voucher booklet can only be issued every six months upon application through the "re-order form" contained in the book.
Two other programs are available under the South Australian Transport Subsidy Scheme for those members permanently confined to wheelchairs (M50). These are Tertiary Education Assistance Scheme (TEAS) and Journey to Work Scheme
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Conditions of membership include:
- travel vouchers can only be used by the member named on the voucher - they cannot be transferred to other people and cannot be used for sending parcels or sending people on errands;
- members can share a ride with carers/relatives/friends (who are not members), without incurring additional costs to the carers/relatives/friends;
- only one voucher per trip is permitted and does not include the return trip; and
- every care must be taken to ensure that vouchers are filled out accurately, including fare details and signed.
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Since July 1999, Members have been able to use their SATSS vouchers to catch a taxi in any state or territory in Australia.
Using your SATSS vouchers interstate is no different to using them here in South Australia. All you have to do is present your green and gold voucher to an interstate taxi driver (after filling out the relevant details) and you will receive the same subsidy on your fare as you’d receive in South Australia. It’s that simple.
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If you wish to apply to join the Scheme please complete the personal details on an Application Form and have your Medical Practitioner complete the medical history section. If you would like a form sent to you please e-mail your details to the SATSS@saugov.sa.gov.au or call 1300 360 840.
The application form must then be forwarded to:
South Australian Transport Subsidy Scheme
GPO Box 2830
ADELAIDE SA 5001
The application will be individually assessed by the GMO, who where necessary, will consult with the applicant's Medical Practitioner. Applicants will be advised of the outcome of their application by mail. If successful, the applicant then needs to provide two passport size photographs, signed and certified on the reverse side by a responsible person who can verify the applicant's identity, e.g. doctor, senior member of nursing staff, bank manager, Minister of Religion, Police Officer or Justice of the Peace.
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If you require additional information sheets or applications forms please contact SATSS Data Processing Services on telephone 1300 360 840. Mail can be sent to:
SATSS Data Processing Services
GPO Box 2830
Adelaide
SA 5001
If you have a query on the conditions or eligibility criteria please contact SATSS Administration at the Office of Public Transport on telephone 8303 0822 or e-mail SATSSAdmin@saugov.sa.gov.au. Mail can be sent to:
SATSS Administration
Office of Public Transport
GPO Box 1998
Adelaide
SA 5001
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Members permanently confined to a wheelchair (M50) engaged in regular work (paid or unpaid), including work experience, may receive Journey to Work subsidy vouchers to attend their place of employment.
If an M50 member fits the above criteria and requires access to Journey to Work subsidy vouchers, an application form can be obtained from SATSS Administration on telephone (08) 8303 0822 or e-mail SATSSAdmin@saugov.sa.gov.au. An application form can be obtained and must be submitted by mail to:
SATSS Administration
Office of Public Transport
GPO Box l998
Adelaide SA 500l
The application must be supported by a letter from the employer and provide the following details:
- Registered name of employer or organisation
- Days and times of work, eg 3 days/week; 5hs/day
- Destination/location of work
- Type of work, e.g. clerical/assembly work
- Name, signature and contact phone number of employer.
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Successful applicants will be provided with sufficient Journey to Work vouchers to cover their employment requirements.
Successful applicants must arrange their own taxi bookings directly with Adelaide Access Cabs on 1300 360 940.
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If you have a query about the Journey to Work Scheme please contact SATSS Administration at the Office of Public Transport on telephone 8303 0822 or e-mail SATSSAdmin@saugov.sa.gov.au. Mail can be sent to:
SATSS Administration
GPO Box 1998
Office of Public Transport
Adelaide
SA 5001
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Tertiary Education
Members permanently confined to a wheelchair (M50) undertaking employment-related tertiary education may receive full subsidy (l00%) to attend official course lectures.
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If an M50 member fits the above criteria and wishes to receive full subsidy for employment-related tertiary education, an application form can be obtained from SATSS Administration on telephone (08) 8303 0822 or e-mail SATSSAdmin@saugov.sa.gov.au. An application form can be obtained and must be submitted by mail to:
SATSS Administration
Office of Public Transport
GPO Box l998
Adelaide SA 500l
The application should be submitted before the start of studies and must include a copy of the course enrollment form and the following details:-
- Name of course to be studied;
- Days and times of the course;
- Dates commencing and finishing course;
- Location where course is conducted; and
- How this study is likely to lead to employment.
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If successful, the applicant will be supplied with a book of GREEN vouchers (within two weeks) to cover travel for the duration of the approved course. The vouchers will have the member's home suburb and school/institution suburb overprinted.
The members are required to arrange their own taxi bookings directly with Adelaide Access Cabson 1300 360 940. The member should insert the date, metered fare on each voucher and sign the voucher before presenting it to the taxi driver.
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To receive subsidised travel the course for which a member is applying needs to be work-related or one which will directly facilitate employment.
Work experience does not fall within this category.
Approval is for one term/semester only.
The location of the course needs to be the closest proximity to the applicant's residence, e.g. if the home address of the applicant is Modbury and the course is available at Tea Tree Gully TAFE and Regency TAFE, subsidised travel for the applicant will only be provided for the Tea Tree Gully TAFE.
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If you have a query about the Tertiary Education Assistance Scheme please contact SATSS Administration at the Office of Public Transport on telephone 8303 0822 or e-mail SATSSAdmin@saugov.sa.gov.au. Mail can be sent to:
SATSS Administration
GPO Box 1998
Office of Public Transport
Adelaide
SA 5001
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