SuperGold travel hours to change as Motu Move rolls out

SuperGold free travel hours across the Greater Christchurch public transport network will be realigned with national travel hours later this year.

As part of the rollout of Motu Move, Aotearoa New Zealand’s national public transport ticketing system, Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury) will realign SuperGold free travel hours with the nationally funded SuperGold scheme.

The national scheme provides free travel during off-peak periods. This realignment will support the transition to a nationally consistent ticketing system and customer experience as Motu Move is rolled out across New Zealand.

This means SuperGold cardholders will need to pay a fare for travel on weekdays between 3.00pm and 6.30pm across Christchurch, Waimakariri, and Selwyn.

SuperGold cardholders will continue to travel free on weekdays between 9.00am and 3.00pm and after 6.30pm, as well as all day on weekends and public holidays.

Why SuperGold travel hours are changing

Since 2022, Environment Canterbury has funded the additional weekday afternoon free travel period as an extension to the national SuperGold scheme.

As public transport patronage has continued to grow, particularly during the afternoon, realigning with the national travel hours will help ensure the concession remains focused on periods of lower demand.

The change will coincide with the rollout of Motu Move. The implementation date will be confirmed soon, and passengers will receive advance notice before the change takes effect.

There is no change for Timaru and Temuka services, which already operate under national SuperGold travel hours.

Keeping customers informed

Public Transport Core Service Lead Councillor Joe Davies said customers would receive plenty of notice before the change takes effect.

“We recognise this change will affect some SuperGold customers and will result in additional travel costs for people who currently travel during the weekday afternoon period.

“Our Metro team will provide clear information and support to help customers prepare for the change. We’ll use a range of channels to explain what’s changing, when it will happen, and what support is available to help customers transition to Motu Move, including assistance in local communities.”