Christchurch bus route first in NZ to pilot new contactless payments

Thursday, 5 December 2024

Motu Move - NZ’s new national ticketing solution - will launch on Sunday on Christchurch’s Route 29 bus, from the airport to the city, before being rolled out further.

Kiwis taking the bus from Christchurch Airport to the city will no longer need a Metrocard as a new national payment scheme is finally piloted.

Metro Canterbury is testing a key part of the new National Ticketing Solution, called Motu Move, on the Route 29 bus from Christchurch Airport to the city from this Sunday.

Bus users will be able to pay the standard adult fare ($2) with their phone or contactless credit and debit card. Cash and Metrocards will still be available, and MetroCards are still needed for child or concession fares.

Free rides will still be available for SuperGold card holders after 9am on weekdays or any time on weekends.

“This marks a significant first public step milestone in modernising New Zealand's public transport payment system,” a Metro Canterbury statement said.

When the pilot launches, bus users will see the new Motu Move card readers on the right as they board the bus.

Visa, Mastercard and American Express cards will be accepted. Mobile payments on a phone or device - such as Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay - can also be used.

There is no need to tag off the bus during the pilot on Route 29.

Metro Canterbury said Motu Move would be rolled out in Timaru and Temuka in early 2025, then Greater Christchurch, including Waimakariri and Selwyn, in mid 2025.

The scheme is expected to be nationwide by the end of 2026.