Metro spokesperson Thomas McNaughton said “our network is going from strength to strength, and we’re excited to see our patronage numbers continue to rise.”

The data reveals that 138,000 customers boarded Metro services using their Metrocard during the financial year, with an estimated 28 per cent of the Greater Christchurch population utilising the service in the past 12 months.

Environment Canterbury Councillor Joe Davies said  “this jump in patronage is encouraging, supported by our $2 flat fare trial.”

The $2 flat fare trial, which is set to continue until June 2025, is cited as a significant factor in the recent surge in passengers.

McNaughton said “we want to thank our customers for choosing public transport – they are the reason we are able to hit these milestones, which are a positive for both our environment and our community,” he said.