An aerial shot of Invercargill where a mobility service for people who struggle to get around is proving popular. Photo: Invercargill City Council
A council plan to disincentivise a mobility service amid ballooning costs has been criticised by a disability group.
Demand has risen sharply in Invercargill for Total Mobility - a transport initiative for those who struggle to get around.
The programme is co-funded by central and local government with 75 percent of each fare subsidised by the two parties, up to a limit.
Invercargill's patronage has soared in recent years, jumping from 49,766 to 93,550 between 2020/21 and 2023/24.
That led to a report being tabled on Tuesday in hopes to "balance need against financial sustainability".
But CCS Disability Action service manager Rachael Kooman said the scheme was essential for enabling disabled people access to the community, and limiting funding would reduce their ability to undertake everyday activities.
"Limiting transport options for disabled people will negatively impact them and make them further isolated."
Council strategic asset planning manager Doug Rodgers said the growth of the scheme was uncontrollable because the council was restricted in limiting its use.
The goal was to make it sustainable for both the council and users, he said.
One issue affecting the organisation was the government's decision to cease top-up funding, meaning a projected overspend of $809,000 loomed for the 2025/26 financial year.
Other reasons for increased popularity included the overall subsidy increasing from 50 percent to 75 percent and some providers not charging on top of that amount.
Mayor Nobby Clark said given some operators were providing rides for free to their clients, it made sense people would increase their trips.
"That's an ideal world, but it comes at a huge cost."
The council ultimately requested staff develop and implement a process to limit trip numbers, while considering cutting the subsidy to 50 percent as a disincentive.
No final decision was made at the meeting as the organisation will consult with the disability community before reporting back with options.
Any requested change to the subsidy level requires a three month notice period to NZTA Waka Kotahi.
Patronage for the service is expected to exceed 125,000 in Invercargill for the current reporting year.
LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
