Motu Move reaches one million tags in less than six months
Over one million contactless payments have now been recorded on public transport in Greater Christchurch with Motu Move, less than six months after the new payment system was launched.
Canterbury is the first region to introduce Motu Move, the National Ticketing System, starting with a staged rollout in Greater Christchurch. The first stage was launched on 10 November last year, allowing customers to pay an adult fare on Metro bus and ferry services using a debit or credit card, and digital wallets such as Google Pay and Apple Pay.
Public Transport Core Service Lead Councillor Joe Davies says that the milestone shows how many people are already enjoying the ease of using contactless payments.
“Reaching this milestone in less than half a year is proof that the new system is convenient and simple to use,” he said. “We’ve had almost 200,000 unique customers tag on so far, and with 41% of customers who pay a standard adult fare boarding with contactless payments, it’s clear our customers see it as a convenient way to pay.
“We’re seeing a lot of people tagging on during major events too, as people who don’t normally use public transport take advantage of being able to hop on a bus knowing that they don’t need cash or a Metrocard. Previously, many of these customers would’ve paid a more expensive cash fare, but now they can get the same benefits as having a transit card including transfers and fare caps.
“What’s even more exciting is that Community Services Card and SuperGold cardholders can now link their travel concession to a debit card or digital wallet through the Motu Move website. This is a fantastic achievement, as linking concessions to contactless payments is not something yet available in most places around the world. We have already had over 1000 customers link their concession to a contactless payment.”
Linking these concessions to contactless payments is optional for now, and customers can continue to board with their Metrocard or by presenting their SuperGold card if they wish. Customers who usually pay a Metrocard child fare, youth fare or Total Mobility concession should keep boarding with their Metrocard.
The road ahead
Environment Canterbury NTS Project lead Jeremy Dickson says that while cash and Metrocard remain available as payment options for now, customers should keep an eye out for updates from Metro later this year.
“We’re stoked to see such a positive response to the new contactless payment options, and we will let all of our customers know well in advance when they need to make the switch to Motu Move.
“The prepaid Motu Move card will be available online and at selected retail locations throughout Greater Christchurch before Metrocard disappears, so customers that plan to use this payment method will have plenty of time to switch over.
“Our team is already working closely with various community groups to ensure we can support our customers the best we can when the time comes. This will include having Metro staff based at key locations across our network offering in person support to anyone who needs it.”
Motu Move will be available in Timaru and Temuka after the new system has been fully implemented in Greater Christchurch.