How will I pay during the first phase?
From November 2025 in Greater Christchurch, you’ll be able to pay a standard fare with a debit/credit card or a digital wallet such as Google Pay or Apple Wallet. Metrocard, cash, and SuperGold will still be accepted.
Will there be transaction fees if I use my debit or credit card?
No, there are no additional transaction fees.
What if I don’t have a debit or credit card?
Metrocard, cash, and SuperGold will still be accepted. Even once we’ve fully transitioned to Motu Move, there will be a pre-paid Motu Move card. This will function like Metrocard currently, allowing customers to top up the prepaid card using cash at the Bus Interchange, service centres, or selected retailers.
Do I need to tag off?
Not at first. Tag-off will be introduced in a later phase.
Why is tagging off important?
Tagging off will ensure you’re charged the correct fare for your journey. It also gives Metro more accurate information about how services are used, which helps us improve routes and schedules.
Will fares and fare caps stay the same?
The fares will be the same as they are now, regardless of whether you choose to use your usual payment method or choose to use your debit or credit card or digital wallet. Weekly and daily caps will apply as usual as long as the same card is used.
What about concessions (child, youth, Community Services Card, SuperGold)?
Concessions will continue to be available via Metrocard until they are integrated into Motu Move in a later phase. SuperGold users will continue to show their card to the driver during SuperGold hours until Motu Move is fully in place.
Will SuperGold free travel still be available?
Yes. SuperGold card holders will continue to receive free travel during off-peak periods (any time after 9am), and all day on weekends and public holidays.
How will SuperGold work under the full rollout of Motu Move?
Eventually, you’ll need to link your SuperGold concession to your chosen payment method (debit/credit card or prepaid Motu Move card). Once set up, you’ll simply tag on and tag off, and your concession will be applied automatically across all participating regions.
We will let you know in advance before these changes happen and will have teams at key location to help customers with this.
What will happen to Metrocards?
Metrocards will continue to work during the first phase of the rollout. They will eventually be replaced by the new prepaid Motu Move card. When that happens, you’ll be able to request a refund of any remaining balance — and we’ll let you know how to do this well in advance.
Can I still use cash?
Yes, cash will continue to be accepted until Motu Move is fully launched. Once the new system is live, Metro will transition to a cashless network to improve safety and reliability. Customers will still be able to purchase or top up a prepaid Motu Move card using cash at the Bus Interchange, service centres, or selected retailers. For more information see our media release, which followed the decision.
I’ve noticed new equipment on buses. What is it for?
Buses are being fitted with Motu Move equipment ahead of launch. You may see new poles and small black boxes by the front and rear doors — these are the readers that customers will eventually use to tag on and tag off.
How will I know when Motu Move is ready?
We’ll provide clear information well in advance of each rollout phase through the Metro website, social media, and onboard communications. Our Metroinfo team and Motu Move ambassadors will also be available to help customers during the transition.
Will the Motu Move pre-paid card be able to be used on public transport all around NZ?
This is the final goal, but we have a journey ahead of us until Motu Move is able to be used all around NZ.
Why is Motu Move launching in Greater Christchurch first instead of Timaru?
Motu Move was originally scheduled to launch first in Timaru and Temuka. Some of the more complex parts of the system are taking longer than expected, so to avoid further delays the national programme will begin with a phased rollout in Greater Christchurch. This means customers there can benefit from debit/credit card payments sooner.
The benefit of this new approach is that Timaru customers will receive greater functionality of Motu Move from day one. We sincerely appreciate the collaboration and commitment from our local partners and community to date, and the groundwork to date will still be used when the rollout takes place in South Canterbury.