TaxiCard

What is TaxiCard?

The TaxiCard scheme can help people with mobility difficulties travel independently. It allows its members to travel with one of our approved taxi companies at a discounted price. 

How does it work?

If you live in Newcastle, Gateshead and Sunderland 
You will get issued with a membership card - a TaxiCard - the same size as a credit card, which will be credited with an annual amount of £225.  You will use the credit on your card to help pay towards your taxi fares. 

When you arrive at your destination you must present your TaxiCard to the taxi operator.  A flat fare of £3 will be deducted from your card each time you travel, regardless of the price of the journey (even if it is less than £3*). However, if the taxi fare is more than £3 you will have to pay the extra amount yourself.  You can ask the driver to check the balance left on your card.

If you live in South Tyneside and North Tyneside 
You will get issued with a membership card – a TaxiCard – the same size as a credit card.  You will also be issued with a book of vouchers credited with an annual amount of £225.  You will use the vouchers to help pay towards your taxi journey. 

When you arrive at your destination you must present your TaxiCard to the taxi operator, along with a voucher. Each voucher is worth £3.  If the taxi fare is more than £3 you will have to pay the extra amount yourself.  

All journeys must start and/or finish in Tyne and Wear. There are no restrictions otherwise on where or when you can travel with your TaxiCard.  Visit friends, go shopping, go to a hospital appointment or wherever you like.

How do you book a journey?

You will need to ring one of our approved taxi companies and book your journey directly with them.  You can book journeys in advance or just before you want to travel, as long as the taxi company has a car available.

How do you join the scheme?

TaxiCard is an annual scheme.  In order to join you must qualify for at least one of the benefits listed below (see ‘Documentary evidence required’).  Please note: you will need to provide formal proof of the benefits you receive eg a relevant certificate, letter or notice, with your application.

Documentary evidence required:

• High Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance
• Registered Severely Visually Impaired or Blind
• Higher Rate Attendance Allowance
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP) - the decision letter must show that you have scored a minimum of 8 points in the Mobility component under ‘Moving around’.

How to apply

TaxiCard is an annual scheme - the table below sets out the latest application deadline date. If you think you meet the right criteria you can apply for an application form by contacting our Customer Relations team.

#Applications must be returned to Nexus, at the following address by this date:

TaxiCard
Nexus Customer Services
Nexus House
St James Boulevard
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 4AX

Upon receipt of your application, we will write to you to let you know whether your application has been successful.  If it has, we will send you a handbook with more information about the scheme and which taxi companies you can use, along with your new TaxiCard.

If your application is not accepted, we will return all of your documentation in the envelope which you provided with your application form.

Further information

To find out more about the TaxiCard scheme please talk to a member of our Customer Relations team who will be happy to help.  

Give them a call on 0191 20 20 747 – they’re available between 09:00am-5.00pm, Monday-Friday.