Changing the bus fare structure

With communities growing across Christchurch City, Selwyn and Waimakariri Districts we want to encourage more people to use the bus to get around. Making fewer car trips and taking the bus, walking, cycling or carpooling makes a significant community contribution to the reduction of congestion on our roads and emissions from transport.

From February 2023, a new bus fare structure will result in fare reductions for all bus users, thereby encouraging greater use of public transport.

With communities growing across Christchurch City, Selwyn and Waimakariri Districts we want to encourage more people to use the bus to get around. Making fewer car trips and taking the bus, walking, cycling or carpooling makes a significant community contribution to the reduction of congestion on our roads and emissions from transport.

From February 2023, a new bus fare structure will result in fare reductions for all bus users, thereby encouraging greater use of public transport.

  • The bus fare structure

    Three options were put out to the community for consultation in March/April 2022 – a targeted free-fare model, a $2 flat fare option and a third choice of current fare maintenance with a tertiary student concession.

    A combination of the first two options was adopted by Council for this Annual Plan – a fares reduction from existing fares and concessions resulting in a $1 Metrocard flat fare for specifically targeted groups (those aged under 25, Total Mobility and Community Services card holders and tertiary students), and a $2 Metrocard flat fare for all other bus users.

    The present fare system provides a discount for those aged under 19 years, and a Government subsidy for SuperGold card holders. All other passengers are treated equally. There are currently three fare zones across greater Christchurch recognising the additional cost for longer distances. The zone boundaries are approximately the local Council boundaries.

  • From February 2023

    For existing Zones 1,2 & 3, this will comprise a $1 targeted flat Metrocard fare for those aged under 25, tertiary students, Total Mobility and Community Services Card holders; a $2 flat Metrocard fare for everyone else. For the ferry service the targeted flat fare will be $2 with a $4 fare for everyone else.

    There will be an extension of free travel for SuperGold Card holders to all day after 9am.


Page last updated: 15 Dec 2022, 04:10 PM