NDIS Transport Funding: Levels, Line Items & Per-Km Rates
NDIS transport funding enables participants to travel independently to employment, education, medical appointments, and social activities across Australia. Under the National Disability Insurance Scheme, transport supports are allocated through direct participant allowances, activity-based provider transport, or vehicle modifications.
This operational guide details NDIS transport funding tiers, official line item codes, per-kilometer billing rates, vehicle modification rules, and step-by-step intake pathways in South Australia.
Overview of NDIS Transport Support Tiers & Categories
The NDIS categorizes transport funding into distinct support levels and provider billing codes based on participant independence and travel requirements:
| NDIS Transport Funding Stream | NDIS Category & Line Item | Funding Cap / Rates | Operational Focus & Rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 (Low Support) | Core – Transport (Category 02) |
~$1,784 per year | For participants looking to enhance community access who are not studying or working. |
| Level 2 (Substantial Support) | Core – Transport (Category 02) |
~$2,676 per year | For participants working or studying part-time, or attending day programs up to 15 hours/week. |
| Level 3 (High Support) | Core – Transport (Category 02) |
~$3,456 per year | For participants working, studying, or looking for work 15+ hours/week who cannot use public transport. |
| Activity-Based Transport | Core – Social Access (04_590_0125_6_1) |
$0.99/km (Standard) / $2.76/km (Modified) | Provider billing when a support worker drives a participant to community activities or appointments. |
Core Operational Transport Support Features
- Direct Transport Allowance: Paid fortnightly into participant bank accounts to cover taxis, rideshares, or private vehicle fuel.
- Support Worker Activity Travel: Support workers accompanying participants during travel, billed under hourly rate plus per-kilometer rates.
- Capital Vehicle Modifications: Funding for wheelchair hoists, ramps, specialized seating, and hand controls under NDIS Capital Supports.
- Capacity Building Transit Training: Travel training programs to build confidence taking public buses, trains, or trams independently.
How to Access & Manage Transport Funding in Your Plan
- Demonstrate Travel Barriers: Provide evidence from medical professionals or OTs confirming inability to use public transport independently.
- Select Transport Category: Choose between periodic direct payments (Category 02) or Activity-Based Transport (Category 04).
- Agree Per-Km Rates with Provider: Confirm vehicle rates ($0.99/km standard, $2.76/km modified) in your service agreement before travel begins.
Book NDIS Accessible Transport Services in Adelaide
Speak with our intake team to organize wheelchair-accessible transport, support worker travel assistance, or community access transport.
Contact Alliance Care SupportHow Alliance Care Support Assists
Alliance Care Support provides registered NDIS transport assistance, wheelchair-accessible vehicle travel, and community access support across metropolitan Adelaide and South Australia.
Our Support Capabilities:
- Wheelchair-Accessible Transport: Vans equipped with automated hoists and safety restraint systems.
- Individual Support Worker Drivers: Dedicated 1-on-1 assistance for medical appointments, day programs, and social outings.
- Transparent NDIS Billing: Direct billing under official NDIS Price Guide caps with zero hidden transport fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the NDIS transport funding levels?
The NDIS provides three transport funding tiers: Level 1 (Low Support: ~$1,784/yr), Level 2 (Substantial Support: ~$2,676/yr for part-time work/study), and Level 3 (High Support: ~$3,456/yr for participants working/studying 15+ hours/week).
What NDIS line item covers Activity-Based Transport?
Activity-Based Transport is billed under Core Supports (Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation) using line item 04_590_0125_6_1.
How much does NDIS allow providers to charge per kilometer for transport?
Under the NDIS Price Guide, providers can charge up to $0.99 per kilometer for a standard vehicle and up to $2.76 per kilometer for a modified vehicle or wheelchair-accessible van, plus the support worker's hourly rate.
Can NDIS funding pay for vehicle modifications?
Yes. Vehicle modifications (such as wheelchair hoists, hand controls, and ramps) are funded under Capital Supports (Vehicle Modifications line item 02_051_0108_1_1) following an Occupational Therapy assessment.
Next Steps
- Review Transport Budget Allocation: Confirm Category 02 or Category 04 funding in your NDIS plan.
- Identify Travel Needs: Calculate weekly travel frequency to work, study, appointments, or social groups.
- Contact Our Intake Team: Connect with Alliance Care Support to arrange transport assistance in Adelaide by contacting Alliance Care Support today.