- • Home
- • Contact Us
Snapper
Why Snapper?
- It’s Faster: You’ll be able to board the bus faster.
- It’s Easier: You just tag on & tag off – it’s simple to use.
- It’s Cheaper: Automatic 20 per cent discount off the cash price of a single adult fare*.
If you pay by cash: nothing has changed, but your ride will be cheaper if you pay by Snapper*.
If you use a child ten trip ticket or monthly pass (Gold Pass, Bus King or Platinum Pass): there is no change for the moment.
The Snapper discount has changed. From 1 June 2009 you will receive 20% off the cash price of a single adult fare.
Frequently asked questions
Q. What is Snapper?
Snapper is a faster, simpler and easier way to pay your bus fare.
Snapper comes as a card or a USB for your computer.
It stores up to $300 value on it.
Q: How do I use a Snapper card on the bus?
Just tag on by holding your Snapper card flat and still to the Snapper reader as you enter the bus. Remember to tag off as you exit the bus.
The system works out how far you have travelled and charges your card for the length of your trip.
Q: How can I tell if I have tagged on or off correctly?
When you hold your Snapper card flat and still to the reader, you will see a green circle displayed. This means it is good to go - you have tagged on or off correctly.
Q: What is displayed on the Snapper reader when I tag on?
The time is displayed on the reader in green. Once you tag on - the reader displays in red the minimum fare for that route (one zone). And if your card has a low value the screen will soon display in green the remaining value left on your card.
Q: What is displayed on the reader when I tag off?
When you tag off, the Snapper reader displays the difference between the minimum fare (one zone) and the fare for the actual distance you travelled e.g. if you travel 3 zones – you will be charged for one zone as you enter and the additional cost of a 3 zone journey as you exit.
Q: My card just gives me a red cross not a green circle. What is wrong?
Does your card have insufficient value stored on it to pay for your fare?
If you have plenty of value on your card, then it may be that the reader has not read your card clearly. Remove your card from the reader and give it five clear seconds before trying again. Remember to hold it flat and still against the reader and wait for the green circle. Then you are good to go.
Q: So what was the total cost of my fare?
The total cost is the boarding fare (one zone) plus the fare that was shown when you exited the bus.
Q: What happens if I forget to tag off as I exit the bus?
If you tag off as you exit the bus you will be accurately charged for the distance you have travelled. If you forget to tag off when you exit the bus, you will be charged the maximum cash fare from where you boarded the bus to the last destination on that route. So remember to tag on and tag off. It’s accurate and it’s simple.
Q: How does paying by Snapper work? How does it know where I got on and how far I travelled?
GO Wellington Buses have been fitted with a new ticketing system which has GPS. The on board GPS system knows where every bus stop is in the GO Wellington region.
Q: What if I don’t have enough money left on my Snapper card to complete my trip on the bus?
When you tag on, you will be able to board the bus if you have enough money to Snapper the minimum fare on that route. That means your Snapper card must have enough funds on it to pay for the shortest journey on the route you have chosen to travel.
Tag off as normal when you exit the bus. Your card will be charged for the distance you travelled. Next time you feed your Snapper you will be charged for any outstanding balance.
Q: Where can I purchase a Snapper?
Snappers are available from a range of merchants throughout central Wellington which display the Snapper sign. Visit www.snapper.co.nz for the latest list of Snapper merchants.
Snappers currently cost $10 including GST. This is an introductory offer, as they will retail at $15 including GST in a few months time.
Q. How do I feed my Snapper?
You cannot feed your Snapper on the bus.
You can feed your Snapper at any Snapper ‘buy and feed’ merchant. There are over 100 of theses in the Wellington region.
You could also purchase a $25 Snapper Feeder, visit www.snapper.co.nz and feed your Snapper via your PC’s USB port from your credit card.
To purchase a Feeder call Snapper on 0800 555 345. You’ll need your credit card handy.
Q. What does it cost to feed a Snapper?
It costs 25 cents each time you feed your Snapper.
Q. Do I need to register my Snapper?
All Snappers must be registered if they are to be hot-listed in the event that they are lost or stolen. Registering your Snapper also allows you to view transaction history online.
Q. I have an Adult Snapper, am I automatically registered for hot-listing?
No. An Adult Snapper is not automatically registered.
It is strongly recommended that you register your Snapper to help protect the value on them if lost or stolen.
Q. How do I register my Snapper?
Register your Snapper online at www.snapper.co.nz or call Snapper on 0800 555 345 to register it. Registration forms are also available at Snapper merchants.
Q. What do I do if my Snapper is lost or stolen?
If your Snapper is registered, simply call the Snapper call centre on 0800 555 345 to hot-list your card
Hot-listed cards are communicated to bus readers and merchant terminals.
Once the hot-list message is received, the Snapper is deactivated, so it will be declined.
This process can take up to three business days.
After three business days, any remaining balance can be transferred to another Snapper.
Snapper users must register their Snapper to take advantage of this feature.
Q. If I do not have a computer how do I register my Snapper?
Please contact the Snapper Call Centre on 0800 555 345 and the process can be completed over the phone
Got other questions?
For all Snapper card questions call 0800 555 345.
If you want to know about bus routes, timetables and fares call Metlink on 0800 801 700.