Getting vaccinated? Travel free with Metro

Published 28/09/2021

Photograph of bus passenger wearing a medical face-mask.

As part of a national campaign, Metro is offering free travel for Covid-19 vaccination appointments in Greater Christchurch and Timaru. 

Caregivers and dependants can also travel for free with you, to and from your Covid-19 vaccination.

Greater Christchurch

In Greater Christchurch, simply tell the driver that you are travelling to or from your Covid-19 vaccination, and we will welcome you on board for free. Because it is now possible to simply turn up at vaccine clinics without an appointment, you no longer need to show proof of a booking.

Timaru

If you're in Timaru, you can travel for free to or from your Covid-19 vaccination using the Timaru Link and MyWay by Metro services. Between now and December, you can travel free on the date stated on your booked appointment confirmation, by showing it to the driver.

To use MyWay by Metro in Timaru, you can book your free trip by calling the contact centre on 03 688 5544. Those booking with the MyWay app will book and pay for their trip as usual and show the vaccination appointment to the driver. The driver will provide a code for a free return ride (two trips), which can be redeemed at a later date.

If you're using the Timaru Link, simply hop on board and tell the driver you are going to or from your Covid-19 vaccination.

Come on Canterbury, let's keep Covid-19 out

Uptake of the Covid-19 vaccine is our best option for getting Aotearoa through the Covid-19 pandemic.

However, many New Zealanders face barriers to getting vaccinated, including access to affordable transport. We're doing our bit in the fight against Covid-19 by removing the transport barrier for Canterbury and supporting our residents to get vaccinated.

Face coverings and registering your travel with the Covid-19 app (or by phone) remains mandatory when using Metro bus and ferry services, at bus stops, the bus interchange and ferry terminals.

You can call 03 366 88 55 in Greater Christchurch or 03 688 55 44 in Timaru to register your travel.

Please do not use public transport if you have cold, flu or COVID-19 symptoms, are travelling to get a test, or awaiting results, or if you need to self-isolate.

The fine print

Free travel is on Greater Christchurch Metro bus and ferry services, Timaru bus services and MyWay by Metro services, for COVID-19 vaccinations.

This initiative will run from Monday 27 September 2021 to 31 December 2021 in Greater Christchurch and on the Timaru Link, and from Monday 4 October to 31 December 2021 on MyWay by Metro. It will be reviewed nationally in November this year.

If you have questions about this initiative, please call Metroinfo on 03 366 88 55.

Page updated 14 October 2021.