Motu Move enters next rollout phase for Metro buses and ferries
Environment Canterbury media release: 23rd September 2026
All concessions can now be linked to contactless payments or a prepaid Motu Move card as Aotearoa New Zealand's new public transport ticketing system continues to roll out in Christchurch, Selwyn and Waimakariri.
Motu Move (also known as the National Ticketing Solution) is a partnership between the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) and 13 public transit authorities including Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury).
Canterbury was the first region to launch Motu Move in November 2025, with the first stage in Greater Christchurch allowing customers to pay for fares with a debit card, credit card, or smart device on all buses and ferries.
Today Minister of Transport Chris Bishop launched the next phase of the project at an event at the Christchurch Bus Interchange, also attended by Environment Canterbury Chair Dr Deon Swiggs, and Minister for the South Island James Meager.
Chair Swiggs says many customers across Greater Christchurch Metro buses and ferries had been waiting for this next stage to make the switch.
“Today marks another milestone in the rollout of Motu Move, with child, youth, Total Mobility, Community Services Card, and SuperGold Card concessions now able to be linked to a contactless debit or credit card, smartphone, smartwatch, or prepaid Motu Move card."
Motu Move cards are available from selected retailers from 23rd September 2026 and offer a familiar experience for customers who prefer to travel using a dedicated public transport card.
“On 23 November 2026, Metrocard and cash will be phased out, making this the first public transport network in New Zealand to run entirely on Motu Move. Customers will have plenty of advance notice and support before Metrocard and cash are removed.
“The response to the rollout so far has been encouraging. In recent months, more than 45 per cent of passengers paying standard adult fares have used contactless payments, and more than two million trips have already been paid for with Motu Move since launch.
“It’s exciting to see Canterbury at the forefront of this national change. Reaching this point has taken a significant effort from everyone involved and shows what can be achieved when local and central government work together towards a common goal,” Chair Swiggs says.
NZTA Chief Customer and Services Officer Sarina Pratley says the latest milestone is an important step towards a more consistent public transport experience across New Zealand.
“It’s great to see Canterbury continue to lead the rollout of Motu Move. Making all concessions available and introducing Motu Move cards means more customers can access the benefits of a simpler, more flexible way to pay for public transport.
“The progress being made in Canterbury is helping pave the way for future rollouts in other regions across New Zealand, with Timaru scheduled for early next year, along with other regions, including Wellington,” says Pratley.
Upcoming changes and support for customers
Environment Canterbury Corporate and Public Transport Services Director Giles Southwell says the focus is now on helping customers prepare for the final stages of the transition.
“From today, customers across Christchurch, Selwyn and Waimakariri can pay for travel and access travel concessions using Motu Move by tagging on with their debit card, credit card, smartphone, smartwatch or prepaid Motu Move card.
“While many customers have already started using Motu Move, we know some people will need information and support as they make the switch. From next month, we’ll be running an extensive customer information campaign and working closely with key groups including older people, people with disabilities, and school communities,” says Southwell.
“We understand change can be difficult for some people, and anyone who needs help setting up a payment method or linking a concession will be able to get support from our friendly Motu Move team. They’ll be visiting key locations across the network, and we’ll let customers know where and when they can find them ahead of time.
“When Greater Christchurch fully transitions to Motu Move on 23 November, Metrocard and cash will be no longer be accepted on Metro services. Passengers will also see additional Motu Move card readers installed as we introduce tagging off, and we’ll provide plenty of information about these changes before they take effect.”
Find more information about using Motu Move in Canterbury.
Learn more about Motu Move nationally.