NDIS Assistance with Travel and Transport in Sydney — 2026
Getting to appointments, community activities, work, or social events independently is a major quality-of-life factor for people with disability. The NDIS funds transport supports for participants who, because of their disability, are unable to use public transport independently.
SADC Disability Services provides NDIS transport assistance across Greater Western Sydney — supporting participants to get where they need to go, safely and reliably.
How the NDIS Funds Transport
The NDIS funds transport support in two main ways:
1. Transport Funding in Your Core Supports Budget
Participants who cannot use public transport independently may have a transport budget built into their Core Supports. This is separate from other Core Support items and can be used for:
- Taxis and rideshares (Uber, DiDi) when disability prevents public transport use
- Vehicle modifications (if you drive or a family member drives you)
- Disability transport services
2026 Transport Funding Rates: The NDIA sets transport reimbursement rates in the Pricing Arrangements. For 2025–26, these rates were updated. Check ndis.gov.au for current transport funding amounts by level (Level 1, 2, or 3).
2. Transport as Part of a Support Worker’s Service
If your support worker takes you somewhere as part of a support — for example, driving you to a community activity, medical appointment, or shopping — this is typically funded as part of your support worker’s hourly rate, not from your transport budget.
What this means in practice: If a SADC support worker drives you to a community activity, the time (including travel) is billed as support worker hours. Your transport budget is for when you travel independently or by transport service.
Who Qualifies for NDIS Transport Funding?
You may qualify for transport funding if your disability:
- Prevents you from using public transport independently (even with reasonable accommodation)
- Makes bus, train, or ferry travel unsafe, unreliable, or inaccessible
- Requires a support worker to accompany you during all travel
The NDIA assesses transport needs as part of your plan. If you feel you need transport funding but it’s not in your plan, raise this at your next review with supporting evidence from your OT or GP.
Transport Support Services SADC Provides
Accompanied Transport
Our support workers travel with participants to:
- Medical and allied health appointments
- NDIS plan meetings
- Community and social activities
- Employment and education
- Shopping and errands
Vehicle Use
SADC workers use their own vehicles (with appropriate insurance) or accompany participants in accessible vehicles.
Transport to SADC Programs
We assist participants attending our school holiday programs and community activities with transport coordination where NDIS transport funding is in place.
Western Sydney Transport Challenges
Western Sydney’s public transport network — while improving — still leaves significant gaps, particularly in:
- Outer suburbs like Campbelltown, Penrith, and Ingleburn
- Industrial and newer growth areas with limited bus services
- Areas where accessible transport options (low-floor buses, accessible taxis) are inconsistent
Our support workers are experienced with Western Sydney’s geography and can build efficient transport routines into your support schedule.
2026 Update: NDIS Transport and the New Supports Framework
Under the 2024 NDIS amendments, the definition of “NDIS supports” was narrowed. Transport funding remains available, but the NDIA expects participants to maximise their use of mainstream transport options where these are genuinely accessible. If mainstream transport is not accessible due to your disability, document this clearly with your allied health team.
Transport and SIL: For participants in Supported Independent Living, transport needs form part of the Roster of Care assessment. SADC’s SIL and support coordination teams work together to ensure transport is properly accounted for.
Contact SADC for NDIS Transport Support
📞 1300 242 492 🌐 sadcdisabilityservices.com.au 📍 Parramatta | Liverpool | Fairfield | Campbelltown | Penrith | Western Sydney
Last updated March 2026. Refer to ndis.gov.au for current transport funding rates and eligibility.