How you pay to travel on public transport in Aotearoa New Zealand is changing.
The National Ticketing Solution (NTS) is a partnership between the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) and 13 Public Transport Authorities (PTAs) which will provide a range of easy-to-use payment methods for all public transport across the country.
The new national system will be called Motu Move. Customers will be able to pay for public transport using contactless debit or credit cards and digital payment methods such as Apple Pay and Google Pay on mobile phones and smart watches, as well as a prepaid Motu Move card and pre-bought tickets
By making payments easier, Motu Move will encourage more people to use public transport more often. The new system will also provide better data on public transport use, which will help Public Transport Authorities (PTAs) to improve their networks in a more targeted way.
Canterbury will be the first region to implement Motu Move starting in Timaru and Temuka in 2025, followed by Greater Christchurch. Rollout will then continue across New Zealand region by region. Motu Move started a pilot of debit and credit card payments on the Route 29 airport to city bus in Christchurch in December 2024.
The NTS public transport partners are Auckland Transport, Greater Wellington Regional Council, Environment Canterbury, and a Regional Consortium of ten medium and smaller councils that currently use the Bee Card. Those councils are Northland Regional Council, Waikato Regional Council, Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Taranaki Regional Council, Gisborne Regional Council, Horizons Regional Council, Hawkes Bay Regional Council, Nelson City Council, Otago Regional Council, and Invercargill City Council.
Our key external partners are Cubic Transportation Systems, Mastercard, Activata, ASB, and OneNZ.
This is where you will find regular updates about the progress of the NTS Programme. It will include programme highlights, key outcomes from Governance Board meetings, and next steps for the programme.
In our recent updates we’ve been highlighting the challenges with the delivery of the more complex components of the Motu Move system taking longer than expected. We now know we won’t be able to launch in Timaru and Temuka mid-year as planned, however we’ve been considering alternative ways to start to deliver new ways to pay into Canterbury while we continue working on the broader solution. We’d expect to confirm a revised plan in the next few months.
CloseThe pilot on Route 29 in Christchurch has been a great success, so far seeing over 10,000 debit or credit card payments – that’s 35% of all adult trips. This volume is well above expected levels, and we’re pleased to confirm there have been no issues with the contactless payment technology. We are continuing to test some of the other more complex components of the solution to ensure we can provide a smooth customer transition when we start the rollout.
Our first implementation is now expected around the middle of this year. We are working towards transitioning all regions to Motu Move by the end of 2026. We will share a revised rollout schedule shortly.
CloseThe NTS Programme including Environment Canterbury, our other PTA partners and service providers reached a significant milestone over the weekend with the Route 29 pilot in Christchurch going live.
Customers have been keen to try out the contactless payment options and they have been well supported by the team on the ground. By the end of Sunday operations, we had 133 passengers tagging on using contactless payment options which was over 20% of the trips for the day.
Kyle, a public transport enthusiast from Christchurch, had eagerly waited to be on the first Route 29 bus on Sunday morning. He was the first customer to pay onboard using his phone and says “It’s just easier. I like that you don’t have to use a (prepaid) card anymore because not everyone has one. People don’t need to worry about finding somewhere to buy a card before they can get on the bus.”
This great milestone for the NTS programme was made possible through us working together as one team with Environment Canterbury and our other Public Transport Authority partners, as well as our NTS commercial partners Cubic, Mastercard, Activata, OneNZ, and ASB. This is a large and complex programme of work, and each partner plays a vital part in ensuring a successful delivery of the National Ticketing Solution for New Zealand.
Motu Move pilot live in Christchurch
CloseWe’re pleased to confirm that the Motu Move pilot on the Route 29 bus from Christchurch airport to the city is planned to start on Sunday 8th December 2024.
The pilot will test the key contactless payments component of the Motu Move system. It will enable single adult non-concession fares to be paid by debit or credit card alongside the existing Metrocard and cash payment options on that one bus route.
The first implementation of the first phase of Motu Move will be in Timaru and Temuka in early 2025 followed by Greater Christchurch. Customers will then be able to choose to use their debit or credit card, or a prepaid Motu Move card; and be able to add fare concessions to any of those payment methods.
Dates for these Canterbury launches will be confirmed soon. All other regions will then transition to Motu Move by the end of 2026.
For more info on Motu Move and how the Route 29 pilot will work, go to motumove.govt.nz(external link).
CloseAs Minister of Transport Simeon Brown and Auckland Transport have announced, Auckland Transport will now accept debit and credit card payments on their services. The new payment options are available for single adult HOP non-concession fares alongside the existing HOP card option.
This is the first step in Auckland’s journey of moving across to the National Ticketing Solution, Motu Move.
View the Minister’s media release(external link)
View Auckland Transport’s media release(external link)
CloseThe 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.
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 and will make it easier for visitors to the city to use public transport over the summer.
The first rollout of Motu Move in Timaru and Temuka will now be in early 2025, followed by delivery throughout Greater Christchurch.
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.
CloseNTS Update – 9 July 2024
The programme team are pleased to confirm the proposed dates for the rollout of Motu Move across the country.
Implementation will start in Timaru this December with MyWay by Metro services, with Christchurch, Selwyn and Waimakariri public transport services moving to the new system from early 2025. Find out more about what’s happening in Canterbury later this year on their Metro website.
metroinfo.co.nz(external link)
As Minister Brown mentioned in his press release this week (link below), Auckland will be rolling out contactless payments for public transport later this year (using their current system). This first step in their transition towards the National Ticketing Solution means Auckland travellers paying a standard adult fare will be able to pay with debit cards, most credit cards, and Apple and Google Pay, in addition to their current HOP card. Having this contactless payment capability already in place will make it easier for Auckland to move to the National Ticketing Solution, reducing risk and cost while delivering a seamless transition for customers. Auckland is scheduled to then fully integrate with Motu Move in 2026 as explained on their website.
Auckland Transport’s transition to the National Ticketing Solution(external link)
Minister Brown’s press release 20 June 2024(external link)
The Motu Move rollout will continue across the country through to late 2026. Specific dates and details for each region will be confirmed as the rollout progresses.
After significant consultation and consideration, the brand name ‘Motu Move’ has been confirmed. Motu Move will be the public facing brand of the National Ticketing Solution (NTS). The NTS is a partnership between NZTA and 13 Public Transport Authorities.
The brand will be used in customer communications alongside the local Public Transport brands, and it is not expected to replace those brands (Metro, Metlink, AT and smaller regional brands). The detail of how the Motu Move brand and services are introduced and used in each region may vary.
Motu Move is about payments and ticketing, with those regional brands continuing to provide the public transport services once the NTS is rolled out. In addition to local public transport services and channels, customers have access to an NTS provided Motu Move website and app, a Motu Move contact centre, and a new Motu Move prepaid card.
An interim customer website will be set up in the next few months to answer common questions, with the full website and app being available later in the year.
Implementation of Motu Move will start in Canterbury in late 2024. As it’s rolled out region by region, it will deliver new, consistent ways to pay for public transport across Aotearoa New Zealand. Customers will be able to pay for public transport using contactless payments including debit or credit cards, mobile phones and smart watches, as well as the new prepaid card and tickets.
The new payment options will remove barriers to public transport use for those who don’t currently carry a prepaid card or who travel in different regions. Providing easier payment options will encourage people to use public transport more, which will help reduce road congestion.
A national system means we can provide better technology at a lower cost than would be possible with the current regional systems. The technology used will help us to better understand patterns of public transport use so we can continue to improve the services offered and enable easier transport choices for New Zealanders.
CloseThe National Ticketing Solution (NTS) is a partnership between the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi and 13 Public Transport Authorities which will provide a range of easy-to-use and consistent payment methods for all public transport in New Zealand. Customers will be able to pay for public transport using contactless debit or credit cards and digital payment methods such as Apple Pay and Google Pay on mobile phones and smart watches, as well as a NTS prepaid card.
By making payments easier, the NTS will encourage more people to use public transport more often.
The solution is on track for delivery, with implementation to start in Canterbury in late 2024. All other regions will transition to the NTS by the end of 2026. We’re finalising the rollout plan in Canterbury focusing on a successful transition for customers, and we expect to confirm this plan by June.
Yogesh Anand, Executive Sponsor – National Ticketing Programme comment – “As work has progressed over the last few months our level of confidence around the delivery dates has been building, supported by Cubic delivering the promised solution ready for testing, and the establishment of an integrated test facility.”
Giles Southwell, Environment Canterbury - Director Corporate and Public Transport Service comment – “Our focus is making sure that Cantabrians are ready for the change to the NTS, and that the solution makes it easier to use public transport. We're looking forward to confirming the final rollout plan soon.”
CloseIt’s a national programme that will provide a range of easy-to-use payments methods that customers can use for all public transport across Aoteoroa New Zealand.
CloseCanterbury will be the first region to implement Motu Move starting in Timaru and Temuka in 2025, followed by Greater Christchurch. Rollout will then continue across New Zealand region by region. Before the Canterbury implementation, Motu Move will run a pilot of debit and credit card payments on the Route 29 airport to city bus in Christchurch from December 2024.
CloseYou’ll be able to pay for public transport using contactless debit or credit cards and digital payment methods such as Apple Pay and Google Pay on mobile phones and smart watches, as well as a prepaid Motu Move card or pre-bought tickets.
CloseCustomers will choose the Motu Move payment method that works best for them. They’ll tag on and tag off each public transport service using that same card or device. Tagging on tells us your trip has started and tagging off completes the fare calculation process.
It’s important to use the same card or device for every trip to be charged the correct fare and to make the most of any regional maximum fare caps.
CloseMotu Move can take payment from contactless debit or credit cards. All Visa, MasterCard or American Express credit cards are accepted. For contactless cards, you’ll see the symbol and/or a microchip on your card.
If your debit card is not a contactless card, you can ask your bank to give you one, or choose another way to pay like a prepaid Motu Move card.
CloseNo, the NTS will not pass on the transaction cost of using contactless payments to customers. Customers using debit or credit cards from overseas, may be charged currency conversion costs or other fees by their card provider.
CloseAll regional prepaid travel cards will be phased out as part of the transition approach agreed for each region. We’ll give customers plenty of time to choose their preferred Motu Move payment method and prepare for the change in their region.
CloseNo. You can use any of our authorised payment methods anonymously and you’ll still be able to see basic travel history, top up a Motu Move card or query a transaction either online or through our service centre.
However, you will need to create an account if you want to apply for a concession as we’ll need confirm your eligibility.
It’s a good idea to create a secure Motu Move account as it provides several extra features:
The process will be quick and easy and can be done online or via a customer contact centre.
If you choose to use a prepaid Motu Move card, you don’t have to create an account, but if you don’t and your card is lost or stolen, you won’t be able to access your prepaid balance.
CloseIf you’re eligible for a concession fare like a SuperGold or Community Service Card holder, or a child or student discount, you’ll need to create a Motu Move account and apply to add your concession to your chosen payment method by providing the relevant proof of eligibility.
SuperGold card holders will need to choose a new Motu Move payment method (contactless card or prepaid card) to tag on and tag off with. You’ll need to create a Motu Move account either online or through our service centre and apply to add your concession to your chosen card or device. That way if you travel at a time when the free travel concession applies, you won’t be charged, and if you travel outside those times, you’ll be charged the non-concession fare.
CloseNo, there will be no fare changes as a direct result of the cost of the new system. However, regions can review their fare policies at any time for a range of reasons and some may choose to implement changes to fares at the same time they implement Motu Move.
CloseWe take the privacy of our customer data very seriously. Data security has been considered and tested throughout the procurement process, and all New Zealand data and privacy laws are being complied with. This will be a key ongoing focus once the system is implemented.
A specific Privacy Policy will be in place for Motu Move to set out how personal data will be collected, stored, used and shared. This will be available via the Motu Move website.
A Motu Move customer can choose whether to travel anonymously or to create a customer account and provide personal information. Either way, data about things like payment details and travel history will be collected. How this non-personal information is collected, stored, used and shared is also covered in the Motu Move Privacy policy.
If you use a contactless debit or credit card on Motu Move, the card details will be masked and stored securely in accordance with New Zealand law.
CloseA single payment system will make it easier for people to access public transport anywhere in the country. This will enable more people to use public transport, more often.
Making it easier for more people to use public transport more often will also help reduce road congestion.
A nationwide system also means we can offer better technology at a lower cost (both establishment and maintenance) than would be possible using the separate regional systems we have now.
Also, customer expectations around payment options have changed and more people expect to be able to pay for public transport with their debit or credit card or their smart phone or watch. Many other countries already provide these options, and both kiwi and tourists expect the same in New Zealand.
CloseMotu Move will manage ticketing and payments, but each region will continue to provide the public transport services and set their own fares. They’ll maintain control over their routes and services and future development of the public transport network in their region.
CloseThe open loop or account-based technology is not new technology, it’s in use across the world on public transport systems with London being one of the first to implement the same kind of payment system in 2013. Other cities such as Sydney, Chicago, Singapore, and Portland have also launched similar systems.
South-east Queensland introduced account-based ticketing (which is the same as NZ will implement) and contactless card payments in 2020. They have some things in common with us, as it is a single solution for different transport operators, covers a large geographic area, has a similar patronage profile and a similar population.
Learnings from around the world have been considered in this programme.
CloseThe NTS is largely funded by the National Land Transport Fund, the key mechanism for government to fund public transport across New Zealand. A national ticketing solution for public transport is identified as core national digital infrastructure for our transport system.
NZTA are paying approximately 93% of total implementation and ongoing operational costs. This includes the cost of installation of new equipment in vehicles.
PTAs are expected to fund their own transition costs, which are based on Funding Assistance Rates. They’re expected to prioritise funding as part of their Regional Land Transport Plans (RLTP) for this during the 2024-27 period.
CloseThe National Ticketing Solution budget is $1.3b over 14 years. This upgrades and integrates all the bus, rail and ferry ticketing systems and equipment across the country and covers operational costs over the first 10 years from implementation.
A total of $785m would need to be spent on maintaining existing regional systems over that period if we didn’t create a national solution, without making any upgrades or providing contactless payment options. The additional $515m cost for the national solution will result in further benefits of $900m (as shown in the business case August 2022).
CloseWaka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has gathered some research on the preferred payment methods on public transport to help inform early work on a national public transport ticketing solution.
National Ticketing Research – April 2021 [PDF, 6.3 MB]
Andrew Knackstedt
Media Manager
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency
Mobile: 021 276 3222
Email: Andrew.Knackstedt@nzta.govt.nz
