Metlink On Demand
A new mode of public transport
Metlink On Demand is a unique corner-to-corner bus service, available to the residents of Tawa and the Porirua CBD.
Metlink On Demand Hours
Monday to Friday 6:30am to 8pm
Saturday 8:30am to 7:30pm
Sunday 9am to 4:30pm
Metlink On Demand App
Downloading the On Demand app requires a smartphone with data and location services turned on while using the app. Payment is only done through the app, so a debit or credit card is required to setup an account.
We know that some of our users have received a less than ideal experience booking one of our vehicles. For Android users, the Metlink On Demand app is compatible with Android 9 and up and available on Google Play.
Need a little help?
You can visit our On Demand Getting Started Guide if you’re looking for some guidance on downloading or using our app.
Bookings
Book your ride using the Metlink On Demand app.
The service can only be booked and paid for by using the On Demand app that you download to your smartphone. During the trial, there are no website bookings or phone bookings through the Contact Centre. On Demand services cannot be flagged down (ie: it's not a hail & ride service).
- Select your pick-up and drop-off locations, and how many passengers to pick up (up to 10 passengers). Be sure to let us know any accessibility needs too.
- Choose one of the suggested pick-up or drop off times.
- Smart technology allocates a seat on a bus that meets your journey needs, along with other passengers sharing the vehicle who have similar pickup locations and destinations.
- The app will guide you to your virtual stop, where the On Demand driver will pick you up. Since the On Demand service uses both traditional bus stops and virtual bus stops, ensure you have the map on the app zoomed in so you can meet your driver at the right place.
- Driver will ask your name and tick your name off on the list on their screen. It's helpful to have your app open to identify yourself.
- On the way to your destination, other passengers may be picked up and dropped off. The drop off order may not be the same as the order you are picked up. Please note that the driver is not the one who decides the order, but the On Demand system.
The service uses “virtual stops” as points to pick up and drop off passengers. A virtual stop is a curb side, unmarked location on a city street where buses will pick up passengers. This is not a traditional bus stop and there is no signage or marked area for buses. These stops allow for quick and efficient shared trips without inconvenient fixed routes and schedules.
Virtual stops are located approximately every 100m. However, this may vary due to footpath, road, or other conditions which could impact the safety of passengers getting on or off the bus.
Fares & Payment
All On Demand rides are booked and paid through the Metlink On Demand app. EFTPOS, Cash, Snapper and paper tickets are not accepted.
If you hold a SuperGold card, travel is free during off-peak journeys only, and must be selected at the time of booking. Children under 5 ride free, but a seat must be booked for them. Child fare applies, but other concessions and discounts, such as off-peak fares, do not apply. All travel on the On Demand service is considered one fare zone, so a flat rate applies.
Fares until 30 June 2024
- Adult $2.50
- Child $2.50
Fares from 1 July 2024
- Adult $3.00
- Child $1.50