5. Summary of phase 2 improvements

Phase 2 provides for an increased financial assistance rate (FAR) of up to 60 percent, effective from 1 July 2007. This increase applies to all local authorities operating a scheme that agree to implement all phase 1 and phase 2 improvements.

As with phase 1, the increased FAR is subject to local authorities' scheme funding not falling below budgeted 2005/06 levels. Phase 2 improvements are explained in more detail in section 6.

Phase 2 improvements

1. Local authorities determine maximum subsidised fares for the Total Mobility scheme in negotiation with Land Transport NZ, taking into account the New Zealand Travel Survey, and review them at least every three years.
2. Town boundary travel restrictions for the Total Mobility scheme are replaced with a maximum subsidised fare.
3. Local authorities are encouraged to consider the following when allocating Total Mobility trips:
   • the needs of the individual user
   • budget constraints of the Council
   • alignment with other regions' methods of trip allocation.
4. Local authorities enter into contracts with assessment agencies, aligned with the guidelines produced by Land Transport NZ.
5. A handbook, including best practice guidelines, should be developed and published by Land Transport NZ in conjunction with local authorities, to help assessors consistently apply the eligibility criteria.
6. Appropriate training is provided to assessors to help them consistently apply the eligibility criteria.
7. Potential members of the Total Mobility scheme have the option to be assessed by a voluntary disability sector agency in every region.
8. Local authorities establish systems for data collection, monitoring and evaluation. Local authorities improve their administrative systems for the allocation and redemption of trip entitlement vouchers.
9. Local authorities enter into contracts with transport operators, aligned with the guidelines produced by Land Transport NZ.
10.   Local authorities are encouraged to investigate the possibility of contracting taxi services operating in areas that are not currently covered by the Total Mobility scheme, to provide a scheme service.
11.   The possibility of other types of transport providers participating in the Total Mobility scheme is investigated.