SA Transport Subsidy Scheme (SATSS)
This page is a direct rule-based guide for AU_SA_TAXI_SUBSIDY_SCHEME (rule version 2025-26, effective 1 July 2025). It explains the SA Transport Subsidy Scheme (SATSS) — a taxi fare subsidy for South Australians with a severe, permanent disability who cannot use public transport.
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Quick Answer
You may qualify if you live in South Australia, have a permanent disability and cannot use public transport because of it. In the questionnaire it is reached when state = SA, permanent_disability = true and disability_prevents_public_transport = true.
It produces no fixed cash figure in the rule. SATSS is recorded as eligibility_only; the benefit is a subsidy off each taxi fare rather than a payment to you. Wheelchair-dependent users get 75 percent off (capped at $30 per trip) and other eligible users get 50 percent off (capped at $20 per trip), with a metered fare cap of $40.
Outcome summary: substantially cheaper taxi travel for people who cannot use buses or trains, so getting to appointments, work and the community is affordable even when public transport is not an option.
What Is This Payment?
The SA Transport Subsidy Scheme (SATSS) helps people with a severe, permanent disability who cannot use public transport by subsidising a large share of each taxi fare. For many members it is the practical alternative to a bus or train they simply cannot use.
The rule database tags it as a Group B benefit with eligibility_only as its result role. The questionnaire confirms whether you are likely to qualify; the value is the per-trip subsidy, which varies with your circumstances rather than being a single fixed amount.
The subsidy level depends on your needs: people who are permanently dependent on a wheelchair receive a 75 percent subsidy (capped at $30 per trip), while other eligible members receive 50 percent (capped at $20 per trip). The metered fare to which the subsidy applies is capped at $40.
How Much Can You Get?
The amount block is eligibility_only with period: none, so the rule does not fix a single dollar figure. The value is a per-trip subsidy off the metered fare.
- 75 percent subsidy for people permanently dependent on a wheelchair, capped at $30 per trip.
- 50 percent subsidy for other eligible members, capped at $20 per trip.
- $40 metered fare cap — the subsidy applies to the metered fare up to this amount per trip.
Eligibility Conditions
The eligibility block is an all set, so every condition below must pass.
- You live in South Australia:
state = SA. SATSS is a South Australian Government scheme. - You have a permanent disability:
permanent_disability = true— the disability must be severe and permanent. - Your disability prevents you using public transport:
disability_prevents_public_transport = true— you cannot use ordinary buses or trains because of your disability.
Applications require medical evidence of your disability, and part of the form must be completed by a GP, specialist or mobility trainer, so the assessment reflects a genuine inability to use public transport.
The two subsidy tiers mean it matters whether you are permanently wheelchair-dependent (75 percent, $30 cap) or otherwise eligible (50 percent, $20 cap); both apply to a metered fare capped at $40 per trip.
How To Apply
The channels are online and through a service centre with the South Australian Government, supported by medical evidence of disability.
- Apply online or at a service centre for the Transport Subsidy Scheme.
- Have a GP, specialist or mobility trainer complete the relevant part of the application.
- Provide medical evidence of your disability so your subsidy tier can be set.
Rule-Based Scenarios
Scenario 1: wheelchair-dependent member
Dimitri is permanently dependent on a wheelchair and cannot use buses. As a 75 percent member, a $40 metered fare costs him just $10 out of pocket, with the subsidy capped at $30 for that trip.
Scenario 2: 50 percent member
Anita has a permanent condition that prevents her using public transport but is not wheelchair-dependent. On a $30 metered fare her 50 percent subsidy saves $15, within the $20 per-trip cap.
Scenario 3: hitting the fare cap
Sam takes a long taxi trip where the meter runs to $55. Because the subsidy applies to a metered fare capped at $40, the subsidy is worked out on $40 and Sam covers the remainder.
Scenario 4: temporary injury
Priya has a broken leg and cannot use the bus for a few weeks, but because permanent_disability = true is not met, she does not qualify for SATSS, which is for severe, permanent disability.
Common Mistakes
- Expecting a cash payment: SATSS is eligibility_only — it subsidises each taxi fare; it does not pay money into your account.
- Assuming everyone gets 75 percent: the 75 percent rate is for people permanently dependent on a wheelchair; other eligible members receive 50 percent.
- Forgetting the per-trip caps: the subsidy is capped at $30 per trip at 75 percent and $20 per trip at 50 percent, and applies to a metered fare capped at $40.
- Applying for a temporary condition: the scheme is for a severe, permanent disability, not short-term injuries or illnesses.
- Skipping the professional sign-off: a GP, specialist or mobility trainer must complete part of the application; medical evidence is required.
- Thinking it replaces public transport concessions: SATSS is for people who cannot use public transport at all, which is different from a discounted public transport fare.
Related Benefits
- SA Disability Parking Permit — free parking in Adelaide ticket areas.
- SA Public Transport Concession — discounted fares for eligible South Australians.
- SA DHS Equipment Program — subsidised aids and assistive equipment.
- SA Vehicle Registration Concession — reduced registration for eligible card holders.
- Disability Support Pension — federal income support for long-term incapacity.
- Mobility Allowance — federal help with transport costs for people with disability.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does SATSS take off a taxi fare?
Wheelchair-dependent members get a 75 percent subsidy capped at $30 per trip; other eligible members get 50 percent capped at $20 per trip. The subsidy applies to a metered fare capped at $40.
Who can apply?
South Australians with a severe, permanent disability that prevents them using public transport. A GP, specialist or mobility trainer must complete part of the application.
Does it pay me money?
No. It is eligibility-only and subsidises each taxi fare at the point of travel rather than paying cash to you.
What if my taxi fare is more than $40?
The subsidy is worked out on the metered fare up to a $40 cap per trip, so on a higher fare you pay the amount above the cap.
Can I apply for a temporary injury?
No. The scheme is for a severe, permanent disability, so short-term injuries or illnesses do not qualify.
What evidence do I need?
Medical evidence of your disability, with part of the application completed by a GP, specialist or mobility trainer.
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