Auckland, 9 March 2011.

Snapper today has commenced an extensive roll out of its leading contactless payments system across the Auckland Super City, bringing New Zealand’s fastest way to pay within everyday reach of 1.5 million New Zealanders.

Rapid retail rollout.

Snapper CEO Miki Szikszai says, “Snapper is excited to bring the magic way to pay to a third of New Zealand’s population. Today we’re announcing the installation of a great footprint in the Auckland Super City. This includes 1,000 taxis, and over 150 retail points of presence. Snapper is focused on continuing to build out Auckland’s retail network for Snapper customers at a rapid rate, and we’re mobilising installers from outside of Auckland to cope with retailer demand.”

Well-known retail partners, a wide suburban network, more to come.

“We wanted Snapper to be available to as many locals and visitors to Auckland as possible. We are pleased that well-known retail brands are coming onto the Snapper network first - brands such as FIX, City Convenience and SUBWAY® Restaurants now accept Snapper.”

“We’ve also taken care of the wider Auckland needs by installing Snapper throughout the Auckland suburban region. Snapper customers can now enjoy the benefit of instant payment for their everyday purchases in their neighborhood convenience stores and cafes."

“Customers will be able to use Snapper in other well-known, large-footprint retailers soon. Customers can keep track of our progress on snapper.co.nz.”

Innovative taxi partners.

“We are delighted to announce that Green Cabs in Wellington and Auckland now accept Snapper. Snapper is perfect for those short trips around town where payment needs to be instant. Today we’re announcing an introductory offer with Green Cabs. Snapper customers fares will be free of the electronic service fee, making Snapper the perfect replacement for cash. Snapper will soon be announcing the addition of other taxi companies bringing the Snapper taxi footprint to around 1,000 taxis in Auckland, and nearing 2,000 taxis nationwide.”

National growth.

Mr Szikszai adds, “Extending the Snapper network to Auckland is an important milestone for Snapper users. Our vision is to have Snapper available from Kaitaia to Bluff, making every day easier for customers, and relegating slow cash transactions to a thing of the past. Snapper continues to develop as a common form of payment throughout New Zealand. We think this will be particularly important for New Zealand’s tourism market, making it easier to make every day purchases. Customers can check out the retailer map on snapper.co.nz for regular updates.”

Integrated ticketing.

“Snapper continues to work in close partnership with Auckland Transport and Thales to bring the Auckland Integrated Fares System to public transport in the Auckland region. Auckland Transport will announce significant developments to the phased implementation of Auckland’s integrated ticketing system soon."

Customer demand and future developments.

“Auckland consumers - especially those that have experienced Snapper in Wellington, or similar systems overseas - have given us constant encouragement to Snapper their city. We know that Aucklanders will love the speed and convenience of Snapper. Snapper is growing fast and we want customers to be a part of that. Customers can tell us their stories and where they want to use their Snapper on snapper.co.nz or on Twitter and Facebook .”

About Snapper.

Snapper has created a brand new payment category in New Zealand, based on everyday payments using contactless smart media.

Over 160,000 Snappers have been issued, generating over 38 million transactions, across over 400 buses, 2000 taxis, and hundreds of retailers in New Zealand.

Snapper offers customers integrated ticketing and instant everyday payments. The Snapper system is 99.99% accurate, providing valuable journey data that can be used to plan better transport services for passengers.

Snapper Services Limited was formed in 2006 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Infratil Limited. Snapper has offices in Wellington and Auckland, New Zealand, and employs over 40 people.

snapper.co.nz

ENDS

© Scoop Media