Find transport services in Newcastle, NSW

Disability transport in Newcastle typically costs $35-$60/hour plus km (vehicle provided) per hour plus a per-kilometre rate for distance travelled. The hourly rate covers the driver's time from pickup to drop-off. The kilometre rate applies to actual distance travelled and varies by provider and vehicle type. Some providers also charge a booking or administration fee.

For NDIS participants, transport is funded under Core Supports (Assistance with Daily Life or Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation depending on the purpose of the trip). The NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits set maximum rates that registered providers can charge.

Rates vary depending on whether the vehicle is accessible (fitted with a wheelchair ramp or hoist) and whether additional support is needed during transit. Accessible vehicle rates are generally higher due to the cost of specialist equipment and driver training.

Weekend, evening, and public holiday rates are higher than weekday rates. If you regularly use transport for appointments or community access, it is worth comparing providers on both their hourly rate and their kilometre rate, as the difference adds up over time.

Disability transport can be funded through several programs in Newcastle depending on your circumstances.

NDIS Core Supports: Transport for disability-related purposes is funded under Core Supports. Trips related to daily activities fall under Assistance with Daily Life. Trips for community participation or social access fall under Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation. Your plan needs to include transport in the relevant category. NDIA-managed participants must use registered providers. Plan-managed participants can use registered or unregistered providers. Self-managed participants have the widest choice.

NDIS Transport Funding: Separately, some NDIS plans include a specific transport budget for participants who cannot use public transport due to their disability. This is a flexible funding line that can be used for taxis, rideshare with accessible vehicles, or disability transport providers. Talk to your LAC or support coordinator about whether your plan includes this.

Home Care Package (HCP): Transport to appointments and community outings is covered under many Home Care Package care plans. Your package coordinator arranges the service and pays from your package budget.

Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA): Veterans may be eligible for transport assistance to medical appointments under DVA transport programs. Contact DVA on 1800 838 372 for eligibility details.

Private payment: Any provider can be booked privately without funding approval. This is useful for one-off trips or for participants who have used up their funded transport allocation.

Disability transport services provide safe, reliable door-to-door transport for people with disability attending appointments, social activities, community programs, and daily errands. Services are tailored to your mobility and support needs.

When booking, you will need to provide your pickup and drop-off addresses, the appointment time, any mobility equipment you use (wheelchair, walker, or hoist requirements), and whether you need a support worker present during the trip or just a driver. Good providers confirm these details in advance to ensure they send the right vehicle.

On the day, the driver should arrive at the agreed time, assist with boarding if needed, and transport you safely to your destination. Accessible vehicles are fitted with ramps or hoists and have tie-down systems for wheelchairs. Drivers should be trained in disability awareness and passenger assistance.

After drop-off, the provider will calculate the total trip cost based on time and kilometres and submit the invoice to your plan manager or NDIA, or issue it to you if you are self-managed or paying privately.

For regular trips such as weekly appointments, many providers offer recurring bookings so you do not need to rebook each time. Confirm the cancellation policy in advance, as last-minute cancellations may incur a fee.