22/09/2026
🚌 Motu Move is rolling out in Greater Christchurch!
Hi Everyone
There are some important changes happening with how you pay for public transport in Greater Christchurch.
The old Metrocard system is being phased out and replaced by Motu Move, New Zealand’s new public transport payment system.
💳 How can I pay?
With Motu Move, you can use:
💳 A contactless debit or credit card
📱 Your phone or smartwatch, using Apple Pay or Google Pay
🚌 A prepaid Motu Move card
So, if you prefer using your debit card or phone, you don’t have to use a prepaid Motu Move card.
There are no additional transaction fees for paying contactless.
💰 What are the fares?
For buses, the standard contactless fare is $3.
If you have a Community Services Card (CSC) concession linked to your contactless payment method, the bus fare is $1.50.
Daily and weekly fare caps also apply, provided you keep using the same card or device when you travel.
♿ Community Services Card concessions
If you have a Community Services Card, you can already link your concession to a contactless debit or credit card or device.
To do this, create a Motu Move account online, add your debit or credit card and link your Community Services Card concession.
Once it’s set up, make sure you use the same card or device each time you travel so your discounted fare is applied.
🚌 Do I need to tap off?
No — you still aren’t required to tap off yet.
For now, simply tap on when you board.
Tapping off will be introduced at a later stage, and Metro will let customers know before this changes.
🔄 What about transfers?
You can still receive up to two free transfers within a two-hour period when using contactless payment.
Just make sure you use the same card or digital wallet each time.
💳 Prepaid Motu Move cards
If you would rather use a prepaid card, Motu Move cards are another option.
From 23 September to 22 November 2026, prepaid Motu Move cards are free in Greater Christchurch from the Metro Info Counter at the Bus Interchange and selected retailers.
There is a minimum initial top-up of $5 when you get your card.
You can also link your prepaid Motu Move card to an online account to manage your card and balance.
💡 Why is Metro changing to Motu Move?
Motu Move is part of a new national public transport payment system being introduced across Aotearoa New Zealand.
The aim is to make paying for public transport simpler and more consistent, with one system eventually working across participating regions instead of needing different transport cards around the country.
It also gives passengers more choice and flexibility over how they pay.
🚌 What about Metrocard?
Metrocard is being phased out as Motu Move continues to roll out.
If you haven’t made the switch yet, there’s no need to panic but now is a good time to start learning about Motu Move and decide which payment option works best for you. 😊
👉 More information from Metro:
https://www.metroinfo.co.nz/metrocard-and-fares/motu-move-cards/
