The National Ticketing Solution (NTS) Motu Move will pilot its new contactless payment technology on the Route 29 bus from Christchurch Airport to the city from December 2024. This will allow passengers to pay for adult non-concession fares with debit or credit cards, alongside the existing Metrocard and cash payment options.
NTS Executive Sponsor Yogesh Anand says the pilot will allow this key component of the new system to be tested in a live environment before Motu Move is rolled out in the Canterbury region in 2025.
“We’re taking a phased approach to the rollout of Motu Move in order to provide a smooth transition for people using public transport, and the live testing on the Route 29 bus will help to ensure that the new contactless payment technology is operating effectively before we deliver the first phase of the Motu Move solution to Canterbury customers next year.”
Mr Anand says adding the pilot to the implementation programme means that the first rollout of Motu Move in Timaru and Temuka will now be in early 2025, followed by delivery throughout Greater Christchurch.
Giles Southwell, Environment Canterbury’s Director Corporate & Public Transport Services says Environment Canterbury’s priority is making sure that Cantabrians are supported to make the change to using Motu Move and that the programme delivers public transport users an experience that'll make travel by bus and ferry easier.
“Seeing a pilot of contactless payments first before rolling out in Timaru and Temuka will help ensure that happens. Having the NTS team use Route 29 as their pilot, as one of our main airport buses in Christchurch, will make it easier for visitors to the city over the summer.”
More information about the specific dates and details for the rollout in Canterbury will be finalised over the next few months. Any changes to the subsequent regional rollouts will be confirmed as planning progresses.
