Changes to the Tertiary Student Metrocard
The Tertiary Student Metrocard began in July 2022 as part of Metro's fares package. The trial is winding down, and from early July 2025 (exact date to be confirmed), there will be changes to public transport fares in Greater Christchurch.
A key change for students to be aware of is that the Tertiary fare concession will be discontinued, and new Tertiary Student Metrocards will no longer be issued. This is because other existing discounts – such as the Youth fare and Community Services Card fare – already cover the majority of students.
What this means for existing Tertiary Student Metrocard holders:
- You can keep using your card – it will continue to work on all Metro services.
- From the change date, your card will automatically apply the Youth fare ($2.50 for bus trips, $4.50 for ferry trips).
- If eligible for the Community Services Card, you should apply the Community Services Card concession to your Metrocard for the cheapest fares ($1.50 for bus, $2.50 for ferry)
- Check you have an account linked to your card by logging in via the Metrocard portal. This allows Metro to contact you directly about any future changes, protects your balance if your card is lost or stolen, and lets you top up online.
- Lastly, the Tertiary Terms and Conditions are being absorbed into the standard Metrocard terms. Our new Terms of Use will apply from 30 June 2025.
If you have any questions or need help with the transition, please contact us at 03 366 8855 or metro@ecan.govt.nz – we're happy to help.
To be eligible to continue using the Tertiary Student Metrocard, you must be enrolled for at least one semester (half a year) at one of the following participating tertiary providers:
- Lincoln University
- Ara, Christchurch
- University of Canterbury
- Whitecliffe, Christchurch
- Aspire2 International, Christchurch
- New Zealand Graduate School of Education
- University of Otago - Christchurch
- Welding Academy
- The National School of Aesthetics
- Te Wānanga o Aotearoa - Christchurch campus
- AGI Education - Christchurch campus
- Airways – Christchurch campus