Make a difference this World Car Free Day

Published 30/08/2023

Did you know Friday 22 September is World Car Free Day?

Trading a car journey every now and then for a more active form of transport like bussing, biking or walking is a simple hack that puts more cash in your pocket, carves out 'me-time', amps up your energy, and shrinks your carbon footprint.

Keep reading to discover how jumping on board a bus can deliver long-term benefits for you, your finances, and the world around us.

Shake up your travel habits this #NZWorldCarFreeDay

Rediscover moments for yourself

Relinquish the wheel and instead, deal to some of that life admin you've neglected, message friends to stay connected, immerse yourself in a hobby, master a foreign language, or simply lose yourself in contemplation as you gaze out of the window.

Getting a little more active

Choosing the bus isn't just about getting around - it's also a cool way to make your day more exciting and active! Consider getting off the bus a bit earlier than usual and walking the rest of the way. It doesn't take much longer, and keeps you moving and feeling great. You can even bring your bike along for the ride, using the special racks on the bus. Ride the bus one way, and then pedal your bike back home the other way.

This mix of bus rides and active choices helps you stay healthy and full of energy.

Towards a cleaner Christchurch

Choosing public transport is a fantastic way to help our planet.

When more people take buses instead of driving their own cars, we reduce the amount of pollution that goes into the air. Public transport vehicles carry lots of people at once, which means fewer individual cars on the road, leading to less carbon dioxide and harmful gases being released into the atmosphere.

By riding Metro buses, you're playing a big role in protecting our environment and making the air cleaner for everyone. It's your own superhero move for the Earth!

Kinder on your pocket

With our new simplified fares, exploring Christchurch, Selwyn, and Waimakariri on any Metro route is now incredibly affordable at $2 or less with your Metrocard. Plus, kids under 13 get to travel for free!

Not only does this save you money, but it also helps you cut down on petrol refills and parking expenses when you choose the bus. Additional perks like concessions, fare caps, and free transfers on the bus make your budget stretch even further, allowing you to make the most of your money.

Disrupt your travel plans today!

Any time is a good time to switch up how you travel, whether it's for your personal gain, financial well-being, or the planet's health. Changing your routine doesn't have to be a total overhaul - even adding just one extra bus ride a month can create an impact.

With World Car Free Day coming up on Friday, September 22nd, there's no better moment to shake up your usual travel patterns.

Feeling motivated?

Our Getting Started page has got you covered, catering to newbies and providing all the info you need, like how to snag your very own Metrocard. It's the first step toward an exciting journey of change.