Apply for TUSS

To be eligible for TUSS, you must have a severe and permanent disability that falls within one or more of the following categories:

• mobility disability;
• vision disability; and/or
• cognitive or intellectual disability.

You must also:

• be an Australian citizen or permanent visa holder (i.e. be a permanent resident of Australia); 
• reside permanently in WA; and
• be over ten years of age (or under ten years of age and use a wheelchair).

Temporary participation in TUSS may be granted for a specified period of 12 months or more, after which re-assessment of eligibility will be required.

Factors or conditions that are not considered

• Anti-social behaviour.
• Vision impairment, but not legally blind.
• Mobility problems that are episodic, whereby some days are considered bad days.
• Availability of, or proximity to, public transport.
• Length of bus journey, having to catch two or more buses, or inconvenient timetables.
• Social / employment factors.
• Climatic / environmental factors.
• Personal security issues.

Detailed eligibility requirements can be found in the WA Taxi User Subsidy Scheme guidelines (below).

1. Complete Part A of the application form (below), attach proof that you are currently residing in Western Australia (see Proof of residence below), and sign the Declaration.  
    
2. Obtain a colour photograph of yourself. The image should show the applicant facing the camera and be from the chest up, and not be more than 12 months old.
    
3. Book an appointment with your medical practitioner. 
    
4. Take the completed form and photograph to your appointment with your medical practitioner, who must complete Part B of the application form and certify the back of the photograph. The same medical practitioner completing your application must also certify the photograph. 
    
5. Send your completed application form, certified photograph, and proof of residential address to:
   On-demand Transport – TUSS 
   GPO Box R1290 
   PERTH WA 6844

Standard subsidy (50%)

For people who don’t use a wheelchair.

• 50% of the fare (up to a maximum subsidy of $25) when travelling in a conventional taxi.

Wheelchair subsidy (50% or 75%)

For people who have demonstrated they require a wheelchair.

• 50% of the fare (up to a maximum subsidy of $25) when travelling in a conventional taxi.
• 75% of the fare (up to a maximum subsidy of $35) when travelling in a wheelchair in a wheelchair accessible taxi.

Detailed information regarding entitlements can be found in the WA Taxi User Subsidy Scheme guidelines(below).

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You must report lost or stolen TUSS vouchers to DoT. There a range of ways to get in touch with us.

• Email: ondemandtransport@transport.wa.gov.au.
• Phone: On-demand Transport on 13 11 56; or
• Mail the details to:
  GPO Box R1290
  PERTH WA 6844.

If a taxi is hired for group travel, the following rules apply:

• only one voucher from a TUSS participant in the taxi can be used in order to subsidise the fare, and only in accordance with that person's entitlement; and
• the relevant TUSS participant must be in the taxi for the entirety of the taxi journey.

Other TUSS participants travelling in the taxi are not required to present their TUSS Voucher booklet to the taxi driver. The group of passengers travelling together should reach their own agreement regarding payment of the remainder of the fare.

If you are a WA TUSS participant, you are entitled to access your normal subsidy when travelling in another state in Australia.

To access interstate TUSS subsidies, you will need to get a TUSS Interstate Voucher Book from On-demand Transport, Department of Transport.  

• Phone: 13 11 56
• Email: ondemandtransport@transport.wa.gov.au

When travelling, make sure that:

• your TUSS participant card is valid; and
• you have your TUSS participant card with you.

You must present your TUSS participant card and interstate voucher book to the taxi driver at the start of your journey.

Taxi drivers must accept your interstate vouchers. If you have any issues, contact the taxi company or the state’s governing body at the time of your trip (contact details below), along with the following information:

• the driver’s ID number;
• the taxi plate number; and
• the driver’s name (if possible). 

Whilst taxi drivers must accept TUSS Interstate vouchers, they may refuse to accept your normal WA TUSS vouchers. 

If you do not use the TUSS Interstate vouchers when travelling outside Western Australia, you may be required to pay the full taxi fare. DoT will not be able to reimburse you for your trip when you return to WA.

Terms and conditions for participation in the TUSS scheme apply to both passengers and drivers. It is important that participants familiarise themselves with the Scheme as outlined in the Taxi User Subsidy Scheme Guidelines.

DoT reserves the right to take action against participants, taxi drivers and/or on-demand booking services in response to misuse of TUSS. 

Detailed rights and responsibilities can be found in the Taxi User Subsidy Scheme Guidelines.