How to Apply for PTSS Taxi Support

Table of Contents

• What is the Passenger Transport Subsidy Scheme and Who Qualifies
• Check Your Eligibility for PTSS Taxi Support
• Gather Required Documentation Before You Apply
• Complete Your Taxi User Subsidy Scheme WA Application Form
• Medical Practitioner Assessment and Supporting Evidence
• Booking Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Services While Your Application Processes
• Understanding NDIS Transport Funding Guidelines as an Alternative
• Submit Your Application and Track Your Status
• Frequently Asked Questions

Last Updated: September 21, 2026

What is the Passenger Transport Subsidy Scheme and Who Qualifies

The PTSS taxi support application process helps eligible people with disabilities access affordable taxi services through the Passenger Transport Subsidy Scheme. If you have a permanent disability that makes using standard public transport difficult, this scheme can reduce your taxi fares significantly.

You receive a smart card that works with participating taxi services. When you use it, your fare is subsidised by the government.

You must meet specific eligibility requirements: your disability must be permanent and affect your ability to use public transport independently, and a medical practitioner must assess and confirm your eligibility.

Eligibility rules vary by state. In Western Australia, the Taxi User Subsidy Scheme WA application is the main pathway. Understanding requirements upfront helps you prepare the right documentation.

At Universal Cabs, we work with passengers who rely on PTSS taxi support every day. Many of our wheelchair-accessible vehicles are registered with the scheme, so your subsidy applies directly when you book with us.

Check Your Eligibility for PTSS Taxi Support

Confirm you meet the basic eligibility criteria before applying. The scheme is designed for people with permanent disabilities affecting mobility or independence.

You may be eligible if you have:

• A permanent physical disability affecting your ability to walk or use public transport
• A permanent sensory disability (vision or hearing loss) that makes independent travel unsafe
• A permanent intellectual or cognitive disability affecting travel independence
• A condition that causes severe pain or fatigue when using public transport
• A psychiatric disability that affects your ability to travel independently

Your disability must be permanent, expected to last at least two years or be lifelong. Temporary injuries do not qualify.

You must also:

• Be an Australian resident or permanent resident
• Hold a valid form of identification
• Be aged 18 or over (some schemes have different rules for younger passengers)
• Reside in the service area where you’re applying

Check the official government portal for your state to confirm current eligibility rules, as requirements vary between states.

Gather Required Documentation Before You Apply

Collect documents before starting your application. Missing or incomplete documentation is the most common reason applications are delayed or rejected.

You will need:

• Proof of identity (driver’s licence, passport, or proof of age card)
• Proof of residency (recent utility bill, rental agreement, or council rates notice dated within the last three months)
• Medical evidence of your permanent disability
• Bank details for any refund or payment purposes
• Contact details for your medical practitioner

Medical evidence is essential. Your GP or specialist must provide a detailed assessment of your condition and how it affects your ability to use public transport.

Medical documentation must include:

• Your diagnosis or condition name
• How long you’ve had the condition (confirm it’s permanent and expected to last at least two years)
• How the condition affects your mobility, independence, or ability to use standard public transport safely
• Whether you use mobility aids (walking stick, wheelchair, cane, guide dog, hearing aids)
• Your doctor’s professional opinion on your eligibility for the scheme
• The date the assessment was completed (must be recent, ideally within the last 12 months)

Why medical assessments get rejected:

Vague medical evidence is the most common rejection reason. A letter stating “Patient has a disability” will be rejected. The government needs specific functional details: “Mr Smith has severe osteoarthritis affecting both knees and hips. He can walk no more than 50 metres before experiencing significant pain, uses a walking frame, and cannot climb bus steps or stand on moving vehicles.”

Your doctor must explain why standard public transport is unsafe, not just that a disability exists. For episodic conditions, explain how it affects your ability to travel independently on a typical day.

Getting the right medical evidence:

Get documentation from your treating medical practitioner, the doctor who knows your condition best. This is usually your GP or the specialist managing your main condition. If you see multiple doctors, ask the one most familiar with your disability to complete the assessment.

Give your doctor a copy of the application form or government guidelines before they write the letter. This helps them understand what information is needed.

Proof of residency must be current. A utility bill or council rates notice dated more than three months ago will be rejected. If you rent without a utility bill in your name, a letter from your landlord or real estate agent confirming your address is acceptable.

Keep copies of all documents for your own records. You may need to resubmit them if the initial application is incomplete, or if you appeal a rejection. Store originals safely and submit copies with your application.

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Complete Your Taxi User Subsidy Scheme WA Application Form

The Taxi User Subsidy Scheme WA application form can be completed online or printed.

The form asks for:

• Your personal details (name, date of birth, contact information)
• Your residential address and service area
• Details of your disability
• Your medical practitioner’s contact information
• Details of any mobility aids you use
• Your nominated contact person (optional but helpful)

Read each question carefully and answer completely. When describing your disability, be specific: “I use a wheelchair and cannot access buses due to broken lifts” is stronger than “I have mobility issues.” You can nominate a contact person (family member, carer, or support worker) to help with follow-up questions.

Submit the form online if possible.

Medical Practitioner Assessment and Supporting Evidence

Your medical practitioner must provide a detailed assessment confirming your eligibility. It should cover your diagnosis, when it started, how it affects your ability to use public transport, any mobility aids you use, and functional limitations. The assessment must be thorough, brief letters saying “this patient is disabled” will not be accepted. Once completed, check that all required information is included before submitting.

Booking Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Services While Your Application Processes

Your application can take several weeks to process. Many taxi services, including Universal Cabs, operate wheelchair-accessible vehicles that you can book while waiting for approval.

Understanding NDIS Transport Funding Guidelines as an Alternative

If you do not qualify after submitting your PTSS taxi support application, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) may offer transport funding. NDIS funding covers taxi or ride-share services, transport to NDIS-funded activities, and medical appointments. You must be an NDIS participant. Discuss transport funding with your NDIS planner or support coordinator, it can be included in your plan if it supports your goals.

Submit Your Application and Track Your Status

Before submitting, double-check:

• All form fields are completed
• Medical assessment is included and dated within the last 12 months
• Proof of identity and residency are current
• Your signature or digital confirmation is provided
• You have kept a copy for your records
• Contact details are correct

Submit online if possible, it is faster and provides immediate confirmation. If you cannot access the online system, ask a family member or support worker to help, or contact the government service for a paper form. You will receive a reference number; keep it safe to track your status.

If your application is approved:

How to appeal:

1. Request an appeal form from the government service within the timeframe specified in your rejection letter (usually 28 days). Contact the service by phone or through their online portal.

2. Gather additional evidence that addresses the reason for rejection. For example:

   • If rejected for vague medical evidence, obtain a more detailed letter from your doctor that specifically addresses the government’s concerns
   • If rejected for not meeting the permanence requirement, provide updated medical evidence confirming your condition is expected to last at least two years
   • If rejected for missing documents, obtain and attach the missing items

3. Complete the appeal form and attach your new evidence. Be specific about why the original decision was incorrect. Reference the rejection letter’s reasons point by point.

4. Submit the appeal by the deadline. Keep a copy for your records.

Tips for a successful appeal:

• Address the specific reason given for rejection, not just resubmit the same documents
• If medical evidence was the issue, ask your doctor to write a new, more detailed letter that directly responds to the government’s concerns
• If the government said your disability does not affect public transport use, provide specific examples of why you cannot use buses, trains, or other services (e.g., “I cannot climb bus steps due to severe knee arthritis” rather than “I have arthritis”)
• If you have additional evidence (such as a new medical assessment, updated proof of residency, or a letter from a support worker), include it
• Keep your appeal letter concise and factual; avoid emotional language

If your appeal is also rejected:

Once your application is approved:

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for the Taxi User Subsidy Scheme (TUSS) in Western Australia?

To apply for TUSS, you must complete the official application form and submit it with supporting documentation, including proof of permanent residency and a medical practitioner assessment confirming your mobility impairment. You can lodge your application through the government portal or by post. The scheme requires eligibility assessment to confirm you meet the permanent disability criteria. Processing typically takes several weeks, so apply well in advance of when you need the subsidy.

What are the eligibility criteria for subsidised taxi travel through PTSS?

You must be a permanent resident with a permanent disability that makes it difficult to use public transport. A medical practitioner must assess and confirm your mobility impairment in writing. The disability must be long-term and substantially limit your ability to access standard transport options. Eligibility assessment is a key step in the application process, and not all applications are approved if the evidence does not meet the scheme’s criteria.

Can I book a wheelchair-accessible taxi while my PTSS application is being processed?

Yes. You do not need to wait for your subsidy approval to book wheelchair accessible taxi services. Many providers, including Universal Cabs, offer wheelchair accessible vehicles for immediate booking. Once your application is approved and your smart card is issued, you can use the subsidy to help cover the cost of these journeys. Contact service providers directly to check vehicle availability and booking options for accessible travel.

What should I do if my PTSS application is denied?

If your application is rejected, you have the right to appeal. Request a detailed explanation of why your application did not meet the eligibility criteria. You can then gather additional supporting documentation or a more detailed medical practitioner assessment and submit an appeal. The appeals process allows you to challenge the decision if you believe new evidence supports your eligibility for the Passenger Transport Subsidy Scheme.