South Australians who rely on subsidised taxi travel are set to get some welcome relief, with the State Government expanding the South Australian Transport Subsidy Scheme for the first time in more than 20 years.
The change means SATSS members will now be able to access up to 100 subsidised taxi fares every six months, up from the previous cap of 80. The increase will apply to around 70,000 members across the state, many of whom depend on the scheme to get to work, medical appointments, education, and community activities.
For people living with permanent and severe disabilities that limit their ability to use public transport independently, the scheme can make a major difference to everyday life. SATSS covers up to three quarters of the first $40 of a taxi fare, helping reduce the financial pressure tied to essential travel.
Under the previous limit, many users were running out of trips before the six-month period ended, leaving them to cover costs themselves. The expanded allocation is designed to ease that burden while helping members stay connected to the services and opportunities they need.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Joe Szakacs said the move marks a long-overdue update. “For the first time in more than 20 years, we are increasing the number of subsidised trips available to South Australians living with a disability,” he said.
“We are making sure that our most vulnerable community members have the same safe and reliable transport that many of us take for granted.”
The scheme also includes flexibility for longer regional journeys, with members able to use up to three vouchers for a single trip. That option has proven especially important for commuters outside metropolitan Adelaide, where longer distances can quickly make transport more expensive.
The Government says the increase is part of a broader push to improve access taxi services across the state. Recent measures have included a $25 lifting subsidy on eligible trips statewide, with that amount doubled to $50 on Christmas Day, as well as a ban on preferential bookings introduced last year.
That booking reform appears to have made a noticeable impact. In March this year, the average waiting time for an access taxi was eight minutes for all users, with waiting times now in line for SATSS members and non-members. The same month also saw 10 per cent more vehicles on the road during dedicated hours compared with the same period in 2025.
The scheme has been supporting South Australians since 1987, with the State Government contributing around $11 million to fund it in the last financial year alone. While there are around 70,000 members statewide, about 26,000 are active users who rely on the subsidies for regular safe travel. In March, 16,710 trips were taken in access taxis.
SATSS member and Enhanced Lifestyles Chairperson Louise Braybon welcomed the expanded allocation, saying it would make a real difference. “I’ve been a SATSS member since the service began. I’m not able to use public transport and frequently have to travel to medical appointments and to play sport every Sunday,” she said.
“This is something that will tangibly help me and people in similar circumstances.”
“I welcome the State Government’s decision to increase the voucher allocation for SATSS members.”
Szakacs said the added trips would help more people reach work, healthcare, education, and community opportunities, while also easing some of the cost of living pressure that can hit hardest for people living with disability.
