Residents and visitors to the Wellington region will be able to get on Metlink buses and trains with their debit card, credit card, or mobile device (including smartwatches) from Sunday 12 April.

Paying an adult fare with a credit, debit, or mobile payment method will cost the same as using a Snapper card on all bus and train services except the Airport Express. The availability of more payment options means people who usually pay cash can travel cheaper, saving nearly 20 percent by using their debit or credit card.

Snapper cards are still available and a valid way to travel. Passengers with student or Community Service Card concessions are encouraged to keep using their Snapper card for discounted fares.

The existing Snapper devices onboard buses and train stations have been upgraded to enable debit or credit card payments ahead of the implementation of the National Ticketing Solution Motu Move, planned for the first half of 2027. Introducing electronic payments now is part of Metlink’s transition to the new ticketing system. Once Motu Move is introduced to Wellington, passengers will continue using their credit or debit card to travel or switch to a Motu Move card.

A 1.5 percent contactless surcharge will apply to each credit or debit card transaction – the same fee passengers pay when topping up a Snapper card using the Snapper app or credit or debit cards at a Snapper self-service kiosk.

For more information, visit the Metlink website

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