Wellington’s public transport payment system will start accepting full adult fares paid by debit cards, credit cards and mobile wallets from this Sunday, April 12.
By Justin Wong, Local Democracy Reporter
With the exception of the Airport Express — where contactless fares are higher — adult bus and train fares will be the same whether using Snapper or a debit or credit card, though the latter two attract a 1.5% surcharge.
People with a Student or Community Services Card concession will still need a Snapper card to receive discounted fares.
Metlink, the capital’s public transport operator, said making more payment options available meant passengers who usually paid with cash could save nearly 20% by using their debit or credit cards.
Snapper machines on buses and train stations had been upgraded to accept debit or credit cards. The move was to prepare for the switch to the nationwide Motu Move ticketing system that’s currently scheduled to go online in Wellington’s public transport network in the first half of 2027.
Metlink will start to phase out the use of cash on board buses and trains over the next 12 months.
The Greater Wellington Regional Council, which runs Metlink, has increased fares by 3.1% and reduced the off‑peak discount from 30% to 20%, effective May 15.
It means the cost of a three‑zone trip will increase by 14 cents, bringing the peak adult Snapper fare to $4.67 for those travelling to the CBD from Miramar or Karori. For Wairarapa passengers travelling by train from Masterton to Wellington, the fare will rise by 56 cents to $18.50 at peak times.
On Wednesday afternoon, regional council chairperson Daran Ponter said Metlink could defer the fare rise if there was Government support. Transport Minister Chris Bishop had said there would be no wide-ranging public transport subsidies in the face of soaring fuel prices.
“We’re not asking for free fares,” Ponter said. “We’re asking for practical, targeted assistance to help communities with fuel costs.”
Local Democracy Reporting is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air
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