NDIS Transport Providers: How Transport Funding Works and How to Choose the Right Provider

 

What Is NDIS Transport Funding?

NDIS transport funding helps cover the cost of getting around for participants who can't use public transport because of their disability, or who aren't part of a taxi subsidy scheme. It sits under the Core Supports budget, and it exists to make sure transport is never a barrier to work, study, appointments, or community life.

This funding can go toward things like travel to work or study, getting to therapy and medical appointments, and taking part in social or recreational activities. It's paid out at one of three funding levels, depending on individual circumstances.

The Three NDIS Transport Funding Levels

  • Level 1 – up to $1,606 per year: For participants who aren't working, studying, or attending day programs, but who want to build community access.
  • Level 2 – up to $2,472 per year: For participants working or studying part-time (up to 15 hours a week), attending day programs, or taking part in social, recreational, or leisure activities.
  • Level 3 – up to $3,456 per year: For participants working, actively looking for work, or studying at least 15 hours a week, who can't use public transport because of their disability.

Level 3 funding is typically deposited directly and regularly into the participant's bank account, rather than needing to be invoiced or claimed each time.

How Transport Funding Is Paid to Providers

How a participant's transport budget gets paid depends on how their NDIS plan is managed:

  • Self-managed: Funds are paid into the participant's own bank account, and they pay transport providers directly.
  • Plan-managed: A registered plan manager pays invoices on the participant's behalf from their chosen transport provider.
  • NDIA-managed (Agency-managed): Only NDIS-registered transport providers can be used, and payments are processed through the NDIS portal.

It's worth knowing that transport funding is one of the four flexible Core Supports categories (alongside Daily Living, Consumables, and Community Participation), so in many cases funds can be moved between these categories — for example, using Daily Living funds to top up transport if needed.

Since plans approved after 9 October 2024, transport funded through the Core Supports budget is generally structured with a default 3-month funding period at the component level, while transport funded through a Recurring Support Budget is paid out in regular instalments across a 12-month period.

How Providers Claim for Delivering Support-Related Travel

Transport providers (and support workers travelling to deliver a service) can also claim travel costs separately from the participant's personal transport budget, covering both labour and vehicle running costs:

  • Labour costs cover the worker's travel time, based on the Modified Monash Model (MMM), which classifies how remote a location is. Providers can generally claim up to 30 minutes of travel time for MMM1–3 (urban) areas and up to 60 minutes for MMM4–5 (rural) areas.
  • Remote and very remote areas (MMM6–7) are handled through direct agreement between provider and participant, within the relevant hourly rate for that support item.
  • Return travel time to a worker's usual place of work after the last client of the day can also be claimed, provided the worker is paid for that time.
  • Vehicle running costs can be claimed at a per-kilometre rate when a provider transports a participant to and from an NDIS-funded community activity, in addition to the worker's time.

Types of NDIS Transport Providers

  • Community transport services – accessible vehicles and drivers for shopping, appointments, and social outings, often used in regional areas with limited public transport.
  • Support worker-provided transport – a support worker drives the participant as part of delivering another funded support (e.g. accompanying them to a community activity).
  • Rideshare and taxi services – used where appropriate and where the cost is claimed within the participant's transport budget.
  • Specialised disability transport companies – providers with wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained drivers for participants with higher physical support needs.
  • State/territory student transport – for eligible school-aged participants, this is typically provided and funded directly by the state or territory government, not the NDIS plan, and simply appears as a note in the plan for visibility.

How to Choose the Right NDIS Transport Provider

  1. Check registration status if your plan is NDIA-managed — only registered providers can be used in that case.
  2. Confirm accessibility – make sure vehicles suit specific mobility or sensory needs (wheelchair access, quiet environment, etc.).
  3. Look at coverage area – especially important in regional or remote areas where fewer options may be available.
  4. Ask about reliability and flexibility – transport needs often involve fixed appointment times, so consistency matters.
  5. Compare cost against your funding level – make sure the provider's rates fit sustainably within your annual transport budget.
  6. Check reviews or ask a support coordinator – for recommendations based on other participants' experiences in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my transport funding for taxis or rideshare apps?
Yes, in many cases, as long as the cost is reasonable and fits within your allocated transport budget and management type.

What if my transport costs are higher than my funding level allows?
You may be able to use flexible Core Supports funding from another category (like Daily Living) to top up transport, depending on how your plan is structured — a support coordinator or plan manager can advise on this.

Do I need a registered provider for transport?
Only if your plan (or that part of your budget) is NDIA-managed. Plan-managed and self-managed participants have more flexibility to use unregistered providers.

Does NDIS transport funding cover travel to school?
No — student transport to and from school is typically funded and delivered by state or territory governments, not through NDIS plan funds

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