The Council’s Director-Corporate Services, Mike Nield, says that the suspension is due to the termination of the contract between the Council and Hawera Taxis.

“It is an unfortunate situation which will affect about 200 Total Mobility users in South Taranaki who rely on the scheme,” says Mr Nield. “We are contacting them individually to explain the situation.”

The Council has advised health and social agencies and disability support groups of the situation, so that they are aware that Total Mobility users in South Taranaki may be seeking support and advice. The Council will be investigating alternative transport options for South Taranaki Total Mobility clients.

The Total Mobility scheme provides taxi subsidies for people with health or medical conditions that prevent them from using public transport.

A taxi service continues to operate in Hawera, but fares will not be subsidized under Total Mobility.

Total Mobility subsidized fares continue to be available in Stratford, New Plymouth and North Taranaki.

Mr Nield says the Council is unable to make any further public comment about the suspension of the service in South Taranaki.

Hawera Taxis will also no longer be providing the contracted SouthLink once-a-week bus services linking Waverley, Patea, Manaia, Opunake, Kaponga and Normanby with Hawera. New operators will take over the services.

“Routes and timetables for these services remain unchanged and they are running as normal,” says Mr Nield. “The only change is different operators.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media