COMMUTERS WHO USE Leap Cards will soon be able to top-up by touching it against their smartphones shortly after the new year.
A spokesperson for the National Transport Authority said it would hope the option will be released to the general public in January.
A trial period has been currently underway with “several hundred” people testing it out for the last three weeks. Depending on feedback from these users, it will be ready for the general public next month.
Those with an Android phone with version 4.4 (KitKat) and above, a Google Play account and a smartphone with NFC (near field communication) can trial the service. Those with iPhones will not be able to use this method since Apple Pay is not available in Ireland and it doesn’t allow third-party apps access to NFC.
NFC is a wireless connection used to transfer data from one device to another (e.g., profile information from one Android phone to another) and is also used for contactless payments.
If you’re not sure whether your phone is NFC-enabled, go into Settings and tap on More (found under the Wireless and Networks submenu). Turning on NFC will be one of the options available.
Leap Cards can be used by commuters in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford. If you wish to participate in the trial, you can email LeapNFC@nationaltransport.ie.
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