Northern Territory Taxi Subsidy Scheme

Member questions

How will members obtain their new Northern Territory Taxi Subsidy Scheme (NTTSS) smartcard?

We have written to all members of the scheme to explain changes to the new system. Members have also been requested to obtain photographs for the new cards.

The photographs will be similar to passport photographs and must be witnessed by a health professional, Justice of Peace, Commissioner of Oaths, police officer, solicitor, barrister or judge. It is the member’s responsibility to obtain and send the photographs to us.

Strict privacy controls will be in place to protect members’ information in the production and use of the smartcards. The smartcard chip will store only the member number, card number and membership start and expiry dates.

What happens if there is a problem with the new system?

In situations where the electronic system has problems, the taxi driver will be able to use a paper based back-up system, similar to the existing Cabcharge green slips. A specific NTTSS emergency docket has been developed for this purpose.

The NTTSS emergency dockets are forwarded to the Taxi Subsidy Scheme Officer and are accepted and processed if the slip meets strict policy requirements. For example, an emergency docket will not be accepted for expired or damaged smartcards. Emergency dockets will only be used in situations where the system is down or in-taxi equipment has failed and the failure can be substantiated.

 

What happens if there is a problem with the member's NTTSS smartcard?

The smartcards are robust and should not become damaged through normal use. If the card however is damaged or faulty, the smartcard reader PINpad screen will provide prompts and information about the problem to the driver.

Emergency dockets will not be used for damaged smartcards, whereby the member of the scheme will be required to pay the full taxi fare.

The member of the scheme can contact us for the smartcard to be tested and for a refund to be given on the subsidised amount of the taxi fare. Refunds are given on the condition the passenger was a valid member of the scheme at the time of the taxi trip and the card is found to be faulty. A receipt should be obtained from the taxi driver as proof of fare payment.

 

Who do I contact in the Department of Lands and Planning about the changes?

For further information contact the Taxi Subsidy Scheme Officer at Commercial Passenger Vehicles Branch.