Navigating NDIS-funded transport and travel can be confusing, so let’s try to break it down step by step. Whether you’re attending a program, heading to an event, or receiving support at home, it’s important to understand how travel and transport costs are structured to ensure transparency and compliance with NDIS guidelines.
Travel vs. Transport – What’s the Difference?
- Travel: When a support worker is travelling without the client (e.g., between clients or heading to your location).
- Transport: When a support worker is travelling with the client (e.g., driving as part of an activity or going to an appointment).
Each of these has two key components: time and kilometres, and the NDIS Price Guide stipulates the amount providers are permitted to charge for each.
Understanding these differences is key when reviewing your invoices or planning your support.
How It Works in Different Support Scenarios.
1:1 Support – A Simple Breakdown
When a client receives one-on-one support, the session generally commences when the staff member arrives at your location and ends at the conclusion of the shift. Any transport (travelling with you) is billed per kilometre. There is no travel time of kilometers on these type of shifts,
Example: If you have a support worker for a four-hour session, and part of that time involves driving to the shops together, you will be billed for the four hours of support plus transport kilometres.
These shifts are great for flexibility and individualised tailored supports to achieve personal goals BUT they can also be expensive relative to the value of some clients plans.
Back-to-Back Clients – How Costs Are Shared
When a support worker has two consecutive clients in different locations, they need to travel between the two and need to be paid accordingly. This travel time and kilometres are billable as the worker is moving between support shifts.
However, to keep costs fair, the NDIS stipulate for providers to bill this time and kilometres at a 1:2 ratio—meaning the cost is split between both clients.
Example: If a worker spends 15 minutes and 10 km travelling between two clients, each client will only be charged half the cost of both the time and kilometres.
It’s important to note that there are also maximum amounts of travel time and kilometres established by the NDIS and ofcourse we look to coordinate supports in similar locations for support workers to avoid any additional expenses on clients plans.
Group Transport – The More, The Merrier!
When clients travel together in a group (e.g., travelling as part of an event), transport costs are shared between all participants. This also applies to later finish events where will have made the decision to drop clients off as part of the event schedule. While more kilometres are travelled, the overall cost per person is significantly lower.
Example:
- Attending a football game (1:1): 100 km traveled at $0.99 per km and a support rate of $65.47 per hour quickly adds up.
- Attending the same game as a group (1:3): The total kilometres (120 km allowing for drop off’s) and support costs are divided by three, making it a more cost-effective option even though the staff travel further, increasing the time and kilometres. ($40 for kilometres and only $21.82 per hour for supports.)
Shuttles – When Are They Used?
Shuttle services operate differently, with a cost structure based around those requiring them and the location of the event. Shuttles occur outside of the event time and costs are divided by those interested in the service and can range from 1:1 which will be quick but expensive to 1:5 which will take a lot longer but be more cost efficient.
We don’t run shuttles at the moment as our events are running out of many different locations.
Why Transparency Matters
At Life Your Way, we’re committed to fair, transparent, and compliant billing. By clearly outlining how transport and travel costs are calculated, we ensure:
✅ Fair cost-sharing for group travel
✅ Clear, upfront pricing for individual and group supports
✅ Full compliance with the latest NDIS pricing arrangements
Want to learn more? Get in touch with us to discuss the best transport and travel options for your needs!
