Snapper smartcard slips the hook

The launch of the Snapper smartcard, which was to have gone on sale to the public today, has been delayed for a second time.

Snapper Services spokeswoman Heather Ware would not give the reason for the last-minute hold-up, or a new launch date.

Snapper's website said late on Friday the card would go on sale today, but Ms Ware said that would be changed. An outdoor advertising campaign for Snapper will kick off today, as planned.

NZ Bus spokeswoman Megan McSweeney says all buses have been fitted with Snapper card readers, but the covers would not come off all buses for a few weeks because there was a need to "refine the offering".

Passengers with Snapper cards will then get a 25 per cent discount on the single-trip adult cash fare.

Snapper will offer the rechargeable smartcards for $10 till the end of October, after which they will cost $15.

Topping up the card at Snapper agents will be free till the end of September, after which top-ups will cost 25 cents. Snapper can also be topped up by credit card online using a $25 USB charger. A 2 per cent fee for credit card top-ups will apply from October.

Snapper Services, a subsidiary of Infratil, says 50 retailers will be ready to accept Snapper cards as payment for small items by the end of the week.

But Ms Ware says it is not necessarily the case that all those retailers would also sell top-ups.

- © Fairfax NZ News