Of course it's annoying not knowing how much money is left
The bus card? Sure, you can log in online and sometime 24-48 hours later
the balance is updated (if it is not a long weekend, then it takes even longer), or
then you can look up a Bus/Tram/Commuter/Terminal and use it
the card reader. None of the options are clear... With ResSaldo you get the balance
directly on the phone.
NOTE: The new green SL cards contain no information, all data is stored by SL in the "cloud" - ie, the app cannot read anything interesting from these cards.
The travel companies use a fairly old standard card. This means that some
phones cannot read these cards. On these models works
therefore not the app. This includes e.g. Nexus 4, 5, 6, 7 (2nd gen), Nexus 10,
Galaxy S4 series, Galaxy S6 series, Galaxy S7 series, LG G2, etc.
Space here on Google Play is limited (4000 characters) so I've moved everything
information about the app to a web page instead; look into
http://ressaldo.se for frequently asked questions, etc.
How to use the app?
1. Make sure NFC is turned on (Settings > Wireless and Network)
2. Start the application
3. Hold the card up to the *back* of the phone, the app will automatically identify the travel company when it reads the card!
How does the app work?
With ResSaldo, you get the balance immediately, and it is updated immediately after you
stamped. The app shows: balance, card validity, time of last
stamping, last time for exchange and detailed information about latest
the journey/stamping. Exactly what information is displayed varies slightly between
different card types and trips.
What technology does the app use?
The app uses the NFC reader found in most modern Android phones, and
reads the card using the same technology as the card reader on Västtrafik's vehicles.
The application *reads* only your card. As with any other technology out there
of course the risk of something going wrong, but using the application means
no greater risk to your card than other external NFC readers you may encounter
your weekday.
Finally, the application is not official, and has no connection with
the travel companies. I have been responsible for all errors and shortcomings myself. Use it on your own
risk. (Then one might think that the various travel companies should have built
equivalent app quite some time ago, but unfortunately they don't have that.)