Last Updated: October 31, 2026
Quick Summary
To apply for PTSS WA taxi subsidies, get the application form directly from the Department of Transport online or by requesting a copy, then complete the medical assessment and lodge your documents with the department. The Department of Transport, not the taxi company, decides your application and sets the lodgement channels.
- The PTSS replaced the old Taxi User Subsidy Scheme, so former TUSS card holders must move across.
- Ring the Department of Transport before booking a medical assessment if unsure about eligibility.
- Do not send original documents by post; send certified copies and keep the originals.
- Tell the department promptly if your address, phone number or condition changes while you wait.
- Once approved, show your participant card or use the digital system to pay a reduced fare.
Table of Contents
- What the Passenger Transport Subsidy Scheme Covers
- Passenger Transport Subsidy Scheme Eligibility Explained
- Getting the PTSS Application Form
- The PTSS Medical Assessment and Supporting Documents
- Submitting Your Application and What Happens Next
- How to Use PTSS Taxi Subsidy on Journeys
- If Your Application Is Declined or Your Details Change
- Booking a Wheelchair-Accessible Taxi for Your PTSS Travel
- Frequently Asked Questions
What the Passenger Transport Subsidy Scheme Covers
The Passenger Transport Subsidy Scheme (PTSS) is a Western Australian government program that reduces the cost of taxi travel for people who cannot use public transport because of a permanent disability.
The scheme replaced the old Taxi User Subsidy Scheme (TUSS).
Here is what the subsidy actually does:
- It cuts the cost of eligible taxi fares for approved participants.
- It applies to taxi travel, not to general rideshare or public transport.
- It is managed by the Department of Transport.
- It uses a participant card and may use a digital system.
The exact discount and any caps are set by the Department of Transport. Check the official PTSS pages on the WA Department of Transport site for current figures before you budget.
Passenger Transport Subsidy Scheme Eligibility Explained
The scheme is built around one question: does a permanent condition stop you using public transport safely or at all? The Department of Transport sets the criteria and makes the decision, so treat the points below as a plain-language guide to how that question is usually applied, not as a substitute for the department’s own rules. Confirm the current criteria on the official PTSS pages on the WA Department of Transport site before you apply.
Eligibility in plain language
Most applications turn on four things:
- Permanence. The condition is long-term or lifelong, not a temporary injury.
- Functional impact. The condition affects your mobility, stamina, sensory processing or independence in a way that makes buses or trains unsafe or impractical.
- No reasonable alternative. You cannot reasonably use public transport for the journeys the scheme is meant to support.
- Residency and identity. You meet the residency requirements and can prove who you are, as set out on the form.
Worked examples to test yourself against
These are illustrative patterns, not official rulings. Use them to decide whether a call to the department is worth making before you start the paperwork.
- Likely to fit: a lifelong mobility condition requiring a wheelchair or walking frame, where boarding a bus is not safe without assistance you do not have.
- Likely to fit: a progressive condition that leaves you unable to stand for the duration of a bus or train trip, or unable to manage stairs at a station.
- Likely to fit: a significant sensory or cognitive condition where travelling on public transport without support is unsafe.
- Usually will not fit: a broken leg, a recent operation with an expected recovery, or a short-term injury. The scheme is built around permanent need.
- Usually will not fit: a condition that makes taxis more convenient but does not stop you using public transport.
- Worth asking about: a fluctuating condition that is permanent but varies day to day. The department can tell you how it treats flare-ups and what evidence it wants.
Eligibility for the scheme versus general taxi access
Being eligible for the scheme is separate from being able to book an accessible taxi. You do not need a PTSS card to book a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, and holding a card does not guarantee a vehicle is available at short notice. The scheme reduces the fare on eligible taxi travel; it does not change which vehicles a operator runs or how far ahead you need to book.
If you are not sure
Ring the Department of Transport before you book a medical assessment. A short call to confirm whether your circumstances fit the criteria, and what evidence the department expects, can save you the cost and delay of an assessment that does not address the right question. If you have already been declined, the section below on declines and changed details covers what to do next.
Getting the PTSS Application Form
You get the PTSS application form directly from the Department of Transport, either online or by requesting a copy.
Ways to get the form:
- Download it from the Department of Transport’s PTSS application page.
- Request a printed copy by phone or in person.
- Ask for accessible formats, including Easy Read, if you need them.
We have written a full walkthrough of the form itself, so if you want the detail before you start, read our guide on how to apply for PTSS taxi support.
The PTSS Medical Assessment and Supporting Documents
The medical assessment is where most applications slow down, so treat it as the priority.
Have these ready before you book the assessment:
- Your completed application form.
- Proof of identity and residency, as requested.
- The medical or assessment section signed by the appropriate professional.
- Any supporting letters from specialists or allied health.
A common mistake is handing the form to a GP who is not sure what to write. The assessment needs to speak to your functional limits, not just your diagnosis.
Keep a copy of everything. If a document goes missing, a copy helps you replace it quickly.
Submitting Your Application and What Happens Next
This is the step most guides gloss over, so here is the practical version. Confirm the current channel on the Department of Transport’s PTSS application page before you send anything, because the department has been moving applicants onto its digital system and the accepted method can differ depending on whether you are a new applicant or moving from an old TUSS card.
The channels you are most likely to encounter:
Lodgement channels are set by the department and are listed on its official application page.
Do not send original documents by post. Send certified copies and keep the originals. If a document goes astray, a copy saves you weeks of reissuing.
The complete pre-submission checklist
Use this as a final gate before you lodge. It consolidates the documents the form and the department’s guidance ask for, so you are not sent back for a missing page.
- Application form fully completed, dated and signed by you
- Medical or assessment section completed and signed by the appropriate health professional
- Proof of identity as specified on the form (for example, a current photo ID)
- Proof of residency as specified on the form
- Any specialist or allied health letters you are relying on
- Certified copies of everything you are posting, with originals retained
- A full copy of the entire pack kept for your records
- Your contact details correct, including a phone number and email the department can reach you on
What happens after you lodge
The department reviews applications against its eligibility criteria and may contact you for more information if something is missing or unclear, so answer promptly and keep a record of what you sent and when.
Processing times vary with workload and with how complete your evidence is, so do not plan around a fixed date. Note the date you lodged and check progress with the department using the contact method it provides.
If you lodged online, keep the confirmation email or reference number. If you posted, keep the tracking number and a dated copy of the pack. Both make a follow-up call far quicker.
If your circumstances change while you wait
Tell the department promptly if your address, phone number, health professional or condition changes between lodgement and decision. A change of contact details is the most common reason an outcome letter does not reach an applicant, and it is the easiest problem to prevent.
How to Use PTSS Taxi Subsidy on Journeys
Once approved, you use your participant card or the digital system to pay a reduced fare on eligible taxi travel.
How it works in practice:
- Book a taxi as normal.
- Show your participant card or use the digital platform.
- The driver applies the subsidy to the eligible fare.
- You pay the remaining amount.
If you are planning trips to appointments, our guide on how to schedule a taxi for medical appointments covers timing and booking tips.
Ask the Department of Transport what applies to you, and keep using your current participant card until you are told otherwise.
If Your Application Is Declined or Your Details Change
A declined application is not the end of the road. You can usually ask for the reasons and provide further evidence or appeal through the department’s process.
Common reasons for decline include:
- The medical evidence did not show a permanent need.
- Documents were missing or incomplete.
- The applicant did not meet residency criteria.
If your circumstances change, tell the Department of Transport promptly. That includes a change of address, a change in your condition, or a lost card. If your subsidy needs renewing, our guide on how to renew your PTSS taxi subsidy in Perth walks through the steps.
Booking a Wheelchair-Accessible Taxi for Your PTSS Travel
Approved or not, you still need a vehicle that fits your needs. If you use a wheelchair, book an accessible taxi rather than a standard sedan, and book ahead for appointments.
At Universal Cabs, our fleet includes wheelchair-accessible vehicles alongside sedans, SUVs and Maxi Taxis. We offer 24/7 service and use flight tracking for airport transfers.
When you are ready to travel, you can book a wheelchair-accessible taxi in Perth through us and put your subsidy to use.
| Stage | What You Do | Who Handles It |
|---|---|---|
| Check eligibility | Confirm permanent need | You / Department of Transport |
| Get the form | Download or request a copy | Department of Transport |
| Medical assessment | Have a professional complete it | Health professional |
| Submit | Lodge form and documents | Department of Transport |
| Travel | Book an eligible taxi | You / taxi company |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Passenger Transport Subsidy Scheme?
Eligibility for the Passenger Transport Subsidy Scheme is assessed by the Department of Transport. In general, applicants need to show they have a permanent or significant transport-related disability that affects their ability to use public transport. The department reviews each application against its own criteria, so check the official PTSS guidance for the current eligibility rules before you apply. If you are unsure whether you qualify, contact the department directly to confirm.
What documents do I need for a PTSS application?
A PTSS application typically requires a completed application form, proof of identity, and supporting evidence of your disability or medical condition. This often includes a medical assessment or report completed by a qualified health professional. The exact document list is set by the Department of Transport and can change, so download the current form and read the checklist carefully. Keep copies of everything you submit so you can follow up if needed.
How do I use my PTSS subsidy for a taxi journey?
Once approved, you receive a participant card or access to the scheme’s digital system. To use the subsidy, book a taxi with an authorised driver who accepts the scheme, then present your participant card or use the digital platform as instructed. The subsidy reduces the eligible taxi fare, and you pay the remaining amount. Always confirm with the driver before the trip that they accept PTSS, and check the official guidance for how the digital transition affects your bookings.
What happens if my PTSS application is declined?
If your application is declined, the Department of Transport should explain the reason and outline any review or appeal options available to you. You may be able to provide additional medical evidence or request a review of the decision. Contact the department to ask what further information would support your case. If your circumstances change later, such as a change in your condition or transport needs, you can usually reapply or update your details.
Applying for PTSS takes patience, but the payoff is cheaper travel for the trips that matter most. If you need a reliable ride once you are approved, Universal Cabs offers wheelchair-accessible vehicles, 24/7 availability, and consistent rates with no price spikes. Get started with Universal Cabs and book transport that turns up when you need it.
