Changes are coming to our network
Metrocard and cash will no longer be accepted on Metro services in Christchurch, Selwyn and Waimakariri from 23 November 2026 as we roll out Motu Move, the new national payment system for public transport.
Find more about choosing your new way to pay on our Ways to pay page.
Metrocard and cash currently still accepted
You can still board Metro services with Metrocard and cash for now, with no surcharge for contactless payments.
Please note that Metrocards can no longer be purchased and will be retired from our network later this year as we switch to Motu Move, our new payment system.
Fares are the same with Motu Move
Fares with Motu Move are the same as when paying with Metrocard. This includes all the benefits of concessions, transfers and fare caps!
Check out our updated Ways to pay choose your new way to pay today!
Why is cash being removed?
The decision to remove cash from Metro services was made by Canterbury Regional Council in October 2023 as part of a wider network safety review, following an increase of on-bus safety incidents involving bus drivers.
Transport operators advocated to remove cash from buses and ferries from a staff safety and overall welfare perspective. You can find the press release we published about this on the Environment Canterbury website.
Customers will be able to use cash to purchase or top up a prepaid Motu Move card at the Bus Interchange and across the new Motu Move retail network.
Why is Metrocard being discontinued?
Canterbury was one of the first regions in the country to introduce contactless transport cards on buses and ferries with Metrocard more than 20 years ago.
As the Metrocard technology reaches end-of-life, it’s time to lead the way again as the first region in Aotearoa to roll out the National Ticketing Solution, named Motu Move.
Motu Move makes paying for public transport simpler and more consistent across New Zealand, giving customers more choice and flexibility. This includes paying with debit/credit cards, smart devices and a prepaid Motu Move card which functions similar to Metrocard.
In time, one system will work across most regions, replacing the need for multiple transport cards. As new features like tag-on/tag-off are introduced, we’ll also be able to improve services by better understanding how people travel.
Remaining Metrocard balance
We recommend using up your remaining Metrocard balance before using your new Motu Move payment method. You can check your balance using the widget at the top of the page.
Soon you will also be able to request a refund of your remaining Metrocard balance. Our website will updated when refund requests become available.
If disposing of your Metrocard, you can give it to our staff at the Bus Interchange counter to make sure it's recycled responsibly.