Everything you need to know about the South Australian Transport Subsidy Scheme (SATSS).
What is the South Australian Transport Subsidy Scheme (SATSS)?
SATSS is a State Government subsidised travel program for eligible people with disability aged 16 years and older who cannot safely use public transport either independently or accompanied by a companion or carer.
SATSS members can receive up to 80 subsidised trips every six months. The subsidy is applied on the first $40 of the fare, with the subsidy amount and the outstanding fee dependent on membership type. High-fared journeys can receive up to three subsidised trips.
Subsidy Rates
Ambulant SATSS Members:
50% subsidy on the first $40, with a maximum subsidy of $20 per trip.
Fares $40 and under receive a 50% subsidy on the total fare and remaining balance is paid by the individual.
Fares over $40 receive a 50% subsidy on the first $40, with the amount over $40 and remaining balance paid by the individual.
Wheelchair User SATSS Members:
75% subsidy on the first $40, with a maximum subsidy of $30 per trip.
Fares $40 and under receive a 75% subsidy on the total fare and remaining balance is paid by the individual.
Fares over $40 receive a 75% subsidy on the first $40, with the amount over $40 and remaining balance paid by the individual.
Example for a $30 fare:
Ambulant SATSS member pays $15; SATSS covers $15.
Wheelchair user SATSS member pays $7.50; SATSS covers $22.50.
Example for a $50 fare:
Ambulant SATSS member pays $30; SATSS covers $20 (50% of first $40).
Wheelchair user SATSS member pays $20; SATSS covers $30 (75% of first $40).
SATSS Member ID Card
SATSS members are issued a SATSS Member ID card which will be scanned by any taxi driver within South Australia for each journey, making SATSS travel simple, fast and safe for everyone.
The taxi drivers’ SATSS mobile application automatically calculates the amount a SATSS member is required to pay at the end of the journey. SATSS members will also be able to hear this information through the phone’s text-to-speech functionality.
Once you are a member, you can register your card to receive email updates showing your recent trips and remaining balance. You can also choose to set up carer notifications, so your nominated carer gets real-time journey details by email or SMS.
For further information on SATSS, including how to apply, you can visit www.satss.sa.gov.au or call 1300 360 840.
Non-Member SATSS Access Taxi Card
To help improve service delivery for Access Taxi customers, the State Government introduced the non-SATSS Access Taxi Card in December 2024.
People who currently use a wheelchair, scooter or large (ride-on) mobility aide who are not already a SATSS Member may be eligible for the non-SATSS Access Taxi Card.
The non-SATSS Access Taxi Card provides:
real time journey information;
automatic travel notifications for carers or personal contacts; and
a consistent and reliable taxi service.
Being a member assists government to collect data about the number of people in our community requiring accessible transport and working with stakeholders to ensure availability of services
If you are ineligible for a SATSS or a non-SATSS card, this should not prohibit people with disability from requesting an Access Taxi should they require it. If a person is refused or made to feel as though the need to use the SATSS or non-SATSS please email DIT at dit.satssadministration@sa.gov.au
Lifting Fee
The South Australian Government pays a $25 lifting fee to accredited drivers for all Access Taxi passengers who:
use a wheelchair, scooter or large (ride-on) mobility aide; and
have a SATSS Member ID Card or a non-SATSS Access Taxi Card.
Passengers do not pay this fee. It is paid to drivers by the State Government.
How to Book
While people with disability are welcome to call providers of Access Taxis directly, in SA Suburban Taxi runs the central booking service.
You can book through Suburban by:
Phone: 1300 360 940 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Email: for advanced bookings email bookings@suburbantaxis.com.au.