National Motu Move public transport card rollout faces major delay

The nationwide launch of Motu Move, New Zealand's new public transport card system, has been delayed again, with no fresh rollout date set and mounting frustration from commuters and local leaders alike.

The introduction of Motu Move—billed as a game-changer for public transport users—was meant to bring New Zealand's buses, trains and ferries under one easy payment system. Instead, the project has run into fresh complications, and the first stage of the rollout in Timaru and Temuka has missed its mid-2025 target. This latest setback leaves the system's full introduction across the country in limbo.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, which oversees the programme, confirmed the delay in a statement this week. Officials blamed the slip on "challenges with the delivery of the more complex components" of the new system, particularly integrating various fare concessions and ensuring seamless payment for passengers no matter where they travel in New Zealand.

The agency said it is working on a revised plan for Canterbury—the first region set to receive Motu Move—while also reviewing the entire national rollout schedule. An updated timetable is expected in August.

Minister expresses frustration

Transport Minister Chris Bishop did not mince words about his concern over the delay, telling Parliament's Transport and Infrastructure Committee he is "worried" about the project and has recently summoned the National Ticketing Solution governance group for urgent talks.

"It is not on track at the moment," Bishop said. "I have made it clear to those overseeing the rollout that this is a government priority and that we need to see clear progress. No options are off the table."

An external, independent review is now underway to diagnose what has gone wrong and what it will take to get Motu Move back on track. Bishop says he expects to receive a new delivery plan by the end of July.

"New Zealanders deserve a system that is simple, reliable and available across the country. We have invested a significant amount of money and time into this, so I have encouraged the governance group to exercise strong leadership to get things moving again," he said.

Frustration at the local level

In Canterbury, where local authorities had been preparing for Motu Move's launch in Timaru, patience is wearing thin. Deon Swiggs, Deputy Chair of Environment Canterbury and a key advocate for the project, said the delay is "definitely frustrating".

"We've been promised a modern, unified ticketing system for several years now," Swiggs said. "The principle of Motu Move is fantastic—whether you're in Christchurch, Wellington, or Auckland, you should be able to just tap on with your phone or card and travel seamlessly. But we need a clear and realistic timeline."

Environment Canterbury had initially hoped to pilot Motu Move in Timaru as early as late 2024, before that deadline was pushed to early 2025 and then again to July. The region has already trialled contactless debit and credit card payments on Christchurch's airport bus route, and Swiggs hopes those lessons will make the transition smoother.

He says the core payment technology appears robust, but integrating all the regional fare concessions, discounts and transfer rules is proving more complex than anticipated.

"They need to deliver a product that is robust enough for us to roll out to the public. Communication needs to improve, too, so that everyone—councils, operators, and especially passengers—know what to expect," he said.

A long-running and costly project

Motu Move, officially known as the National Ticketing Solution, is one of New Zealand's most ambitious public transport projects. The idea of a unified transit card has been floating around for well over a decade. More than $146 million has been spent since 2018 developing the system, with total costs expected to reach around $1.3 billion over the next 15 years.

The new system is supposed to allow people to pay for all major public transport services—whether bus, train or ferry—with a single card or by using their credit/debit card or smartphone. The plan is to phase out regional cards like Snapper, Metrocard and Bee Card, making it much easier for people to travel around the country, especially for those who travel between cities.

However, deadlines have repeatedly slipped. Canterbury's launch was first targeted for December 2024, then early 2025, then July, and now there is no clear date in sight. Rollouts for Wellington, Auckland and other regions have also been pushed back.

Looking ahead

Despite the setbacks, both central and local government leaders remain committed to seeing Motu Move delivered. Bishop said funding is not the issue, pointing instead to technology and delivery challenges that need fixing.

Waka Kotahi says it is exploring "alternative delivery approaches", such as rolling out some Motu Move features in phases. For now, however, the existing regional cards remain in use and Kiwis hoping for a one-card-for-all solution will need to wait a little longer.

"We all want this to happen," Swiggs said. "It's about getting it right for the long term."