If you're 5-24 inclusive and paying with your Metrocard, you'll pay only $1 to travel on any Metro bus across our Greater Christchurch network. And $2 on the Metro Diamond Harbour Ferry.
Children aged under 5 travel for free.
How do I get the Under 25 concession?
When you apply for your Metrocard, you need to show some identification with your name and date of birth on it. It's that simple - from then on, simply tap your Metrocard to receive your age-related concession while you're under 25.
Date of birth not correct on your Metrocard?
If you received your Metrocard through our usual channels, such as the bus interchange, online or at a Metro agency your Metrocard will already have the date of birth you provided.
Most customers get their Metrocards through the channels above, but if you received a Metrocard in another way, such as through a workplace promotion, you may need to get your card updated to access your age-related concession. To do this, you'll need to go to the Metroinfo counter at the central city bus interchange with a form of identification, including your date of birth, to get your card set up with your correct age.
Want to double check your DOB is loaded correctly? Visit the Interchange and speak to one of our friendly team members at the Metroinfo counter.
What about cash fares?
Make sure you've got your Metrocard every time you travel, because cash fares cost more. In Greater Christchurch, cash fares on the bus are $2 for people aged 5-18, and $4 for adults 19 years and over.
Can I use my Cando card instead of getting a Metrocard?
Metro will not be issuing new Cando cards in 2024. Students who have a 2023 card can continue to use it to pay for Metro services after the original card expiry date of May 2024. The 2023 cards will now be valid until we introduce the new National Ticketing Solution. We will provide more information on this change later in 2024.
Students that don’t have a Cando card or Metrocard can order a new Metrocard online or through one of our agencies across Christchurch and add an Under 25 concession to the card to get the same discounted fares as Cando card holders.
Participating schools were notified of this change earlier in 2023. We’re aware that some schools have used Cando cards for other services, and they’ll be communicating directly with their school communities about what that means for their students.
What happens to my Metrocard when I turn 25?
When you turn 25, your card will automatically update to an adult fare, so if you are eligible for another concession, make sure you apply for it then.
What if I am also eligible for the Community Services Card concession?
Some customers will have the option to choose between multiple concessions. Customers under 25 do not need to apply for other concessions, as your age-related fare will be applied automatically through the date of birth associated with your Metrocard.
Proof of age
Any passenger who is eligible for age-related fares (either paying by Metrocard or cash) may be required to provide proof of age identification to the driver. Accepted identification needs to include a photo and state the person's date of birth - for example, a Cando card, school ID card or a driver licence. Failure to provide identification to the driver when asked can result in an adult fare being charged.