Bus fares to rise even as new payment cards delayed

Wednesday, 30 April 2025

Bus fares in Christchurch will rise in July despite the delay of a new payment system being created by central government.

Fares can be paid in cash until the new payment cards are available, another slight tweak approved by Environment Canterbury councillors on Wednesday. Afterwards, the bus system will be cashless.

ECan had initially tagged the fare increases to the rollout of the Motu Move cards and payment system, which was supposed to happen in Christchurch about July 1.

However, the new cards have been delayed for an unknown period.

There were challenges to the “more complex components” of the new system, said a NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) spokesperson.

Testing was ongoing and a revised rollout schedule is expected by the middle of this year, they said.

ECan deputy chair Deon Swiggs was “still grumpy” about the delays and hoped for more clarity from NZTA shortly, he said.

The new fares will be:

• Standard adult fare: $3

• Child fare (5-18 years): $1.50

• Community Services Card holder: $1.50

• Total Mobility Card holder: $2

• Youth (19-24 years): $2.50

When available, the Motu Move cards will be usable on public transport across the country. Users will have to tag-on and tag-off.