  The new recurrent X-ray transient MAXI J1957+032 has had four X-ray outbursts
within 16 months, all very briefly detected (lasting <5 days). During the most
recent event (Sep/Oct 2016), we obtained with SALT the first optical spectrum
of the transient counterpart, showing the classic blue continuum of an X-ray
irradiated disc in an LMXB and no other features. At high Galactic latitude
below the plane (-13 deg) reddening is low but there is no quiescent
counterpart visible on any of the existing sky surveys, nor any other known
X-ray source in the region. Swift monitoring of 3 of the 4 events is presented,
showing rapidly fading X-ray outbursts together with significant UVOT
detections in the UV (W1,M2,W2), U and B bands. The optical properties are most
like those of the short-period LMXBs, which, combined with the softening
witnessed during the decay to quiescence would place the system at d <13 kpc.
The short duration and short recurrence time of the outbursts are reminiscent
of the AMXPs, which exhibit peak luminosities of 1 % L_Edd. Assuming this peak
luminosity would place MAXI J1957+032 at a distance of d= 5-6 kpc.
