Why is there no virtual card Snapper?

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Stu1

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#2912586 11-May-2022 10:42

roobarb:
Stu1: Not sure how to top it up these days

You should be able to use the Snapper Mobile app, a kiosk or a retail outlet just like any other Snapper. It is still a contact-less Snapper in addition to having the USB connection. The antenna is smaller than in a normal card but it should still work.

Might take it in to top up see if it still works

andrew027

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#2913382 13-May-2022 11:59

I was last in Sydney about three years ago and bought/credited an Opal Card at the airport, took the train to Circular Key (where my accommodation was) and used it for ferries and trains all week. Probably still got about AU$10 credit on it...

I was last in London just over two years ago and just used my "pay wave" Visa card on the tube. So convenient.

Back home in dear old Wellington I work from home on Mondays, and on the other four week days I get a lift in to the city in the morning but I get the train home. The number of trips means it's generally slightly cheaper for me to use 10 trip tickets than get a monthly pass, but I was very interested in the announcement that all Wellington trains would be using Snapper by the end of this year, as this is more convenient, particularly on those days when I forget that I've already used the last clip on the 10 trip. But I can't say how much it annoys me that Snapper have an NFC-enabled phone app but I can't use my phone as a virtual Snapper card.

Yes, yes... I know Semble was a thing. I used to have the SIM. But that was, what, 6 or 7 years ago? Why can't I just load a virtual Snapper into the app (or into Google Pay, along with my credit cards and my vaccine pass 😅) and tap my phone? I guess that requires upgrading all the Snapper reader devices, which would be expensive, and would be a bold move with the "imminent" national ticketing system (so about 25 years away, as this is New Zealand, after all). But I'd have thought the increased convenience might increase the uptake, and the more users they have, the more power they 'd have when it's finally time to choose the national solution.

PolicyGuy

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#2913504 13-May-2022 13:34

andrew027:

I guess that requires upgrading all the Snapper reader devices, which would be expensive, and would be a bold move with the "imminent" national ticketing system (so about 25 years away, as this is New Zealand, after all).

Twenty-five years away?
Wow, you're obviously a real 'glass half full' kinda guy, Andrew

😩😩😩

wellygary

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#2913506 13-May-2022 13:39

andrew027:

I guess that requires upgrading all the Snapper reader devices, which would be expensive, and would be a bold move with the "imminent" national ticketing system (so about 25 years away, as this is New Zealand, after all). But I'd have thought the increased convenience might increase the uptake, and the more users they have, the more power they 'd have when it's finally time to choose the national solution.

Big Chunks of local government public transport spending are "co-funded" by NZTA...

I suspect that they would look at such a move with a "sure go ahead, but it ain't coming out of our "pot'o'cash".... at which point the proposal just died...

Stu1

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#2913543 13-May-2022 14:04

andrew027:
I was last in Sydney about three years ago and bought/credited an Opal Card at the airport, took the train to Circular Key (where my accommodation was) and used it for ferries and trains all week. Probably still got about AU$10 credit on it...

I was last in London just over two years ago and just used my "pay wave" Visa card on the tube. So convenient.

Back home in dear old Wellington I work from home on Mondays, and on the other four week days I get a lift in to the city in the morning but I get the train home. The number of trips means it's generally slightly cheaper for me to use 10 trip tickets than get a monthly pass, but I was very interested in the announcement that all Wellington trains would be using Snapper by the end of this year, as this is more convenient, particularly on those days when I forget that I've already used the last clip on the 10 trip. But I can't say how much it annoys me that Snapper have an NFC-enabled phone app but I can't use my phone as a virtual Snapper card.

Yes, yes... I know Semble was a thing. I used to have the SIM. But that was, what, 6 or 7 years ago? Why can't I just load a virtual Snapper into the app (or into Google Pay, along with my credit cards and my vaccine pass 😅) and tap my phone? I guess that requires upgrading all the Snapper reader devices, which would be expensive, and would be a bold move with the "imminent" national ticketing system (so about 25 years away, as this is New Zealand, after all). But I'd have thought the increased convenience might increase the uptake, and the more users they have, the more power they 'd have when it's finally time to choose the national solution.

Opal is amazing so many places to top up , I can top up my card online I don’t have to tap and collect like snapper. The ability to manage and transfer funds between my kids opal cards was a great feature. The best thing was the capping of fairs over the weekend real time updates. Snapper is terrible in comparison everything is difficult from a user perspective

rayonline

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#2931304 18-Jun-2022 10:56

Unless I have missed something. 3 weeks ago I used the Snapper app on an Android phone with NFC and did a top up on my physical snapper card. I didn't pay any fees. I purchased a $76 odd for a Wellington region 30 day unlimited used bus pass. No virtual card though I think.

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jonherries

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#2931343 18-Jun-2022 12:25

I think the difference between Snapper and the systems more prevalent elsewhere is that the credit exists against an account and the card is just used as a token to access it, whereas for Snapper there is an account but the credit/balance exists on the card.

Theoretically this has two benefits:

1. Accessibility/equity - you dont need a phone or internet access to get benefits (in practice this is true for account based methods too as long as you issue cards with an account).
2. You can operate ticketing (tag on/off) without coverage. Technically this can be done without coverage (a cached store of transactions/overdrafts - but there are some fraud opportunities here though).

It probably just comes down to install base and strategy and whether things are economically viable. I would suggest that opening it up to the android/iphone ecosystem might have some transaction costs worn by the software dev/operator. Plus requiring internet connections available when tagging (a birdy told me in most buses in wellington there are already 4+ sim cards).

In terms of card transactions - there will be a card transaction fee and these are probably more expensive than bigger top ups (based on what we have seen with the nfc payments politics over the past 2 years).

It doesnt seem like it would take much to unlock some of this (most of the tech on the Snapper platform side looks ok from the outside), but politics and money often get in the way of good ideas.

Jon

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#2985807 21-Oct-2022 12:12

Press release:

Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) announced its selection of Cubic Transportation Systems (CTS) to provide a National Ticketing Solution (NTS) for Aotearoa New Zealand. This approach to public transport ticketing is one of the first global models, and when completed, it will cover 13 regions across New Zealand and enable seamless travel on bus, rail and ferry services.

The NTS will make public transport a more convenient, reliable and cost-effective choice for riders, encouraging Kiwis to use bus, rail and ferry options more often.

“When we remove barriers and make public transport easier to use, we can improve safety and reduce road congestion and emissions,” said Yogesh Anand, Waka Kotahi NTS executive sponsor. “We also understand that accessible and affordable public transport options are key to helping cities grow sustainably and become more liveable and connected.”

”We’re confident that partnering with Cubic, a leader in Account Based Ticketing solutions, is the right choice,” said Mr. Anand. “Their vast experience is integral to delivering a seamless experience to New Zealanders. Between Waka Kotahi, our Public Transport Authorities and Cubic, we’re looking forward to creating an easy-to-use system for all Kiwis.”

Added CTS President Jeff Lowinger: “This is an exciting project for Cubic. We’re proud that Waka Kotahi chose to leverage our innovative products and proven track record in delivering complex solutions for the world leaders in public transportation, including New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Queensland and London. Our Account Based and Open Payment Ticketing solutions are trusted by transport agencies globally and the millions of passengers who use Cubic’s systems every day.”

The new Account Based Ticketing solution, which will roll out across New Zealand, will provide riders with a consistent and reliable customer experience no matter which part of the country they are in or whether they travel by bus, train or ferry.

The solution is similar to systems that Cubic has deployed in New York, London and Brisbane. It provides a future-proof backbone for the whole country’s public transport payment system, which can grow with the needs of New Zealand and seamlessly integrate with the existing operators and authorities in each region.

By choosing an Account Based solution, Waka Kotahi will enable “open loop” payments on credit and debit cards and digital versions such as Apple Pay and Google Pay. In addition, it will maintain other payment options to ensure that passengers can choose their preferred payment method and be confident that they will receive the correct fare — even for multimodal journeys.

“We are proud to partner with Waka Kotahi and the public transport authorities to deliver the National Ticketing Solution,” said Simon McLevie, VP & managing director for CTS Asia & New Zealand. “We look forward to working with Waka Kotahi and the regional councils on enabling innovation in customer experience through easier payments for public transport that will improve the lives of all Kiwis.”

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#2985808 21-Oct-2022 12:15

From NZ government:

Whether it’s on the bus, train or ferry, New Zealanders will soon be able to use a singlepayment system across Aotearoa, with today’s signing of the National Ticketing Solution contract with supplier Cubic, Transport Minister Michael Wood has announced.

“This is a key milestone in the journey to grow public transport use by providing a single payment system and a range of easy-to-use payment methods, no matter where you are in the country,” Michael Wood said.

“Our government is committed to making it more affordable, easier and attractive for Kiwis to use public transport. Through our investments we are delivering linked up public transport networks across the country that help people get to where they want to go.

“When implemented, the NTS will offer a wide range of benefits to public transport users. The payment system will be convenient, easy to use, and offer a consistent customer experience.

“Customers will be able to choose what payment method works best for them. They will be able to pay for public transport using contactless debit or credit cards, as well as digital payment methods like Apple Pay or Google Pay, while still offering the option of using a pre-paid transit card.

“This new technology will allow daily weekly and monthly fare caps to be applied to travel automatically, meaning customers will be charged the best possible fare at the end of each day. It will also mean that when travelling to a new town, people will be able to pay using what’s already in their pocket, rather than having to buy a transit card specific to that region or fumble for cash.

“The NTS will be an enabler for change. To encourage public transport as the preferred travel choice for more people, more often, we must invest in modern technologies to improve the customer experience.

“Cubic have the proven experience of delivering this solution, meaning New Zealanders can have confidence that they are getting a platform that works,” Michael Wood said.

As well as the contract between Waka Kotahi and Cubic, a participation agreement has also been finalised between Public Transport Authorities, Auckland Transport, Greater Wellington Regional Council, Environment Canterbury, and a Regional Consortium of ten smaller councils, to deliver the solution.

“The local authorities saw the benefits that the NTS can provide to the decarbonisation and economic development of their regions.

“Through improved access and increased patronage of public transport, roads will become less congested, safer and we will reduce our emissions,” Michael Wood said.

The National Ticketing Solution will be rolled out in a stage process across the different public transport authorities, starting with Environment Canterbury in 2024.

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#2985810 21-Oct-2022 12:17

Please discuss in this topic: Cubic to implement national ticketing solution (geekzone.co.nz)

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