We're making it easier to use public transport in New Zealand with new ways to pay. Motu Move is a ticketing and payment system providing easy, consistent ways to pay for buses, trains and ferries across Aotearoa.
By making payments easier, we’ll encourage more people to use public transport more often.
Motu Move has been created through the National Ticketing Solution programme which is a partnership between NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi and 13 Public Transport Agencies across the country. Having a single national solution provides the country with better technology at a lower cost than we can with the current regional systems.
Each region will still manage their own fares, timetables, journey planning and transport operators.
To make sure public transport customers have a smooth transition to Motu Move, we’re running a pilot to test the new contactless payment technology.
The pilot will start on Sunday 8 December 2024 on the Route 29 bus from the Christchurch airport to the city. Customers will be able to pay for a single adult fare with their debit or credit card, or device alongside existing Metrocard and cash options.
If you're using your Metrocard use your usual card reader by the driver.
If you’re travelling with friends or family everyone needs their own way to pay.
Motu Move will launch in Canterbury, specifically in Timaru and Temuka, in early 2025 followed by Greater Christchurch.
As part of their transition to Motu Move, Auckland Transport will be offering contactless payments, in addition to HOP cards, to customers on their current system from late 2024. This will make their integration to Motu Move in 2026 easier.
Motu Move will then be introduced to the rest of New Zealand, region by region by the end of 2026. As dates for other regions are confirmed we'll share them here.
On the Route 29 pilot you'll be able to choose what's best for you.
No transaction fees for contactless cards/devices.
Both contactless payments and Metrocards will have the same standard adult fare of $2.
If you have a concession that will still be applied if you use your Metrocard.
When Motu Move rolls out across New Zealand you can choose from:
No transaction fees for contactless cards.
All payment methods will have the same fare.
Add concessions to any card or device.
Our full Motu Move website will be available closer to our Canterbury start date. In the meantime, visit your usual regional public transport site for information on current services, and to watch out for local updates on plans for bringing Motu Move to your region.
Payment methods for the pilot and how it works.
If you have a question about Motu Move ticketing and payments, tell us what you need help with on this form and we'll be in touch within 3 working days.
Call our team on 0800 66 77 88
We're available Monday to Friday. 8:30am to 5pm (excluding public holidays).
About fares, timetables and journey planning.
To find out more about the National Ticketing Solution programme that’s creating Motu Move, you can visit our NZTA programme page.
