Top news on Snapper app

The people behind Wellington’s transport card, Snapper, say their No 1 request from users is having an Apple iOS app to top up their balances and see their transactions.

So, from 10am today, Wellingtonians with an iPhone 7 or later can rejoice – Snapper is launching its iOS app.

This means people can place their phone above their Snapper card to check their balance, top up, view any passes, save their payment details and collect any travel refunds.

While the Android app has been working for the past 10 years, it was only at the end of last year that Apple allowed software developers to use the same capabilities.

Near Field Communication allows nearby devices to share information wirelessly, including toys and video games.

Developers began working on the app during the coronavirus lockdown and Snapper chief executive Miki Szikszai said an iOS app was the No 1 request it received from Wellingtonians. For the pastmonth, volunteers have been testing the app – which is only available on iPhone 7/iOS 13 and above.

Szikszai said Snapper had been a pioneer in this area. It was the first time on public transport that any ticketing system like this was done in New Zealand, he said.

‘‘We also have opportunities to offer to other cities around the world,’’ Szikszai said.

Snapper was also rolling the app out to a group in Ireland. ‘‘ Customers have experienced frustration with reloading [cards], so we’re really excited to offer this,’’ he said.

In September Greater Wellington Regional councillors approved a plan to roll out Snapper cards to rail within the next six months. Metlink general manager Scott Gallacher said his team was aiming to start testing the Snapper card on rail services within the first quarter of 2021.