Fares will be reinstated on public transport services in Christchurch from Monday 15 June after several weeks of free travel.
Waka Kotahi, the New Zealand Transport Agency, provided free fares under Alert Level 4 and 3, but that is coming to an end now the country is in Alert Level 2.
Environment Canterbury Senior Manager Public Transport Stewart Gibbon says although passengers will be charged for travel on local bus services and the Diamond Harbour Ferry from 15 June, Metrocards (which usually cost $10) are being provided free this month to encourage contactless payments.
“During our response to COVID-19, we’ve all become used to the simplicity of paying with contactless methods whenever we can. We would like to support our customers to continue this when they use public transport, and so we will be providing Metrocards free of charge all month,” he says.
Mr Gibbon says the Ministry of Health has approved the use of cash on public transport but Metrocards provide access to cheaper fares.
“Your cash takes you further, as fares are at least 25 per cent less with a Metrocard. They also provide capped daily and weekly fares, and the card’s credit amount is secure if the card is registered and subsequently stolen.”
Metrocards are available at the Metroinfo Counter at the Bus Interchange, at participating agencies, and online ordering of Metrocards will be available soon.
Customers who register their card during June go in the draw to win one of ten $100 New World vouchers.