It's time to choose a new way to pay as we continue rolling out Motu Move in Christchurch, Selwyn and Waimakariri.
With Motu Move you can board Metro services using a debit card, credit card, mobile phone, smartwatch or prepaid Motu Move card. Metro fares remain the same.
Child, Youth, Community Services Card, SuperGold and Total Mobility concessions can be linked to all Motu Move payment methods.
All Motu Move payment options support fare caps and up to two free transfers within a 2-hour period to get to your destination. Make sure you board using the same payment method to receive these benefits.
Metrocard and cash can still be used while we transition to Motu Move.
Ways to pay
Contactless payments with Motu Move
- Debit/credit cards & smart devices
- Link your concession
- No surcharges or extra fees
Motu Move card
- Prepaid transport card
- Link your concession
- Initial top-up of $5 required
Link your concession fare
Child, Youth, Community Services Card, SuperGold and Total Mobility concessions must be linked to your new payment method to receive your discounted fare.
Metrocard and cash
- Metrocard and cash still available
- Cannot be used from 23 November 2026
- You can still top up Metrocards
Paying for others
From 23 November, you can use a Motu Move card to pay for other passengers.
Before then, keep using your Metrocard or cash if you need to pay for others regularly. Don't forget that you will still need to choose a new way to pay before these payment options are retired.
For contactless payments, everyone needs their own way to pay. Note that your physical debit or credit card and your card in your digital wallet are recognised as different payment types.
Create a Motu Move account
Create a Motu Move account at motumove.govt.nz to:
- link concessions to your preferred payment method
- manage several cards from one account – great for families
- manage Motu Move card top ups and auto top-ups
- view extended travel and payment history
Setting up Motu Move for your family
When you set up your Motu Move account you can add cards and manage concessions for your family, all under your account. To do this, follow the "Add a card" steps in the "Cards" section of the site. Once a card is added you can then apply for the "Child" or any other applicable concessions. Remember you need to add the concession individually to each child's card.
Tip: When you add a card, you can also add a nickname so it's easy to manage next time you log in.
Remaining Metrocard balance
We recommend using up your remaining Metrocard balance before using your new Motu Move payment method. You can check your balance on our Metrocard information 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.
Need help getting started?
Go to motumove.govt.nz for more information about using Motu Move, including frequently asked questions.
If you're having problems with your Motu Move payment method contact the Motu Move team through the website or call 0800 66 77 88.
In-person assistance
We understand that change can be difficult. If you need in-person help with setting up your new payment method, you can find our friendly Motu Move ambassador team stationed at the Bus Interchange near Muffin Break.
From mid-October, our Motu Move teams will be visiting key locations around the network to help support customers make the switch. Keep an eye out for more details.