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Metrocard
Metrocard Metrocard is the easy way for you travel on Metro.

The Metrocard does the thinking for you. Its state-of-the-art technology automatically deducts your fare when you board the bus. You don't have to think about having the right change.
Metrocard is free
The card is free. All you have to do is load $10 onto Metrocard for it to work. Thereafter, you can recharge your card with a minimum of $10. Metrocards can be recharged at Metroinfo in the Christchurch City Bus Exchange or as you board your bus.
Everyone likes Metrocard
You can use Metrocard on all Metro services including Red Bus, Leopard, Christchurch Bus Services, the Orbiter, the Metrostar and the Diamond Harbour Ferry. It couldn't be easier to transfer from one Metro service to another.
Metrocard gives generous discounts
With the Metrocard you pay $1.90 adult per trip instead of the $2.50 cash adult fare.* That's a 25% discount, the same discount as your old multi-trip ticket.

Use your Metrocard and you only get charged for a maximum of $3.80 per day even if you make 3 or more trips!

Here's what travel with the Metrocard costs:
  • For $1.90 you receive two hours unlimited travel*
  • For $3.80 you receive unlimited travel for one day*
  • For $19 you will receive one calendar week unlimited travel (Monday to Sunday)*. Weekends are free if you have spent $19 Monday to Friday*.
*Travel within Zone One.
Discounts for young people under 18
Here's what travel with the Metrocard costs if you're under 18:
  • For 95 cents you receive two hours unlimited travel*
  • For $1.90 you receive unlimited travel for one day*
  • For $9.50 you will receive one calendar week unlimited travel (Monday to Sunday).* Weekends are free if you have spent $9.50 Monday to Friday.*
Some passengers may need to carry a photo ID showing their date of birth and proving that they are under 18. Approved IDs include CANDO cards, your passport or driver's licence. If child passengers can't show this, they may have to pay a full adult fare.

Child Metrocards are available from the Christchurch City Bus Exchange. A copy of an ID which includes the child's date of birth must accompany the application form, for example, a birth certificate.
Free travel for under 5's
Children under 5 years of age, accompanied by a fare paying passenger, travel free of charge.
Metrocard keeps track of your spending
Place your Metrocard on the reader machine and the balance is displayed on the screen. When the balance is below $4 the machine issues a warning beep advising you to top-up your Metrocard. Top-up your Metrocard, in $10 amounts (for example, $10, $20 or $30) as you board the bus or at Metroinfo in the Christchurch City Bus Exchange.
Metrocard Balance
Can I still use cash to pay for my bus fare?
You can still pay cash fares on all metro services. Adult cash fares will be $2.50 per trip* with one transfer only within two hours. Metrocard gives better value, since it costs $1.90 per trip* and you get unlimited transfers for two hours instead of just one transfer.

*Travel within Zone One.
Metrocard is safe and secure
The cards are waterproof and have a lifespan of about 4 years. Each has its own unique number that will be registered to you the cardholder so that if you report your card as lost or stolen it will be cancelled and any remaining money transferred to your new card. There will be a small charge for replacement cards.
Frequently Asked Questions

Terms and Conditions

For information about Metrocard Terms and Conditions:
Read the Metrocard Terms and Conditions (22kb)

Code of Conduct

To apply for a Metrocard
  • Post to:
    Passenger Services
    Environment Canterbury
    P.O. Box 345, Christchurch 8140
  • Visit Metroinfo at the Christchurch City Bus Exchange
  • Phone Metroinfo 3 66 88 55 Monday to Saturday 6.30am-10.30pm and Sundays 9.00am-9.00pm
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© 2007 Environment Canterbury. All rights reserved. Phone Need further information? Call MetroInfo 3 66 88 55