iPass Card accuses EasyCard of being a monopoly, keeps it out of Kaohsiung (2014/09/25)
The EasyCard is Taiwan’s most used stored value card for public transportation fares and is dominant in Taipei. Another stored value card provider based in Kaoshiung, iPass, has exclusive access to the Kaohsiung MRT. Each wants access to the other’s territory, but a breakthrough in the stalemate seems unlikely in the near future.
Have the EasyCard read by a sensor, and a computer displays recorded information, such as the bearer’s blood pressure, height and weight. Though the card’s functions are growing by the day, it still cannot be used on the Kaohsiung MRT system.
There are 48 million EasyCards in circulation, more than 10 times as many as the 4.5 million iPass cards issued. The two companies have tried to discuss terms for cross-use of the cards, but talks broke down over value-added services.
Wang Chih-chun (voice) iPass Card Spokesman Taipei Metro stations, they do not offer iPass value-added services. Under these circumstances, what’s there for the iPass to do in Taipei?
iPass Corporation says Taipei Metro spent NT$30 million two years ago to develop equipment compatible with different stored value cards and received government subsidies for the project. It should now allow other types of cards in rather than letting EasyCard dominate. But what about Kaohsiung?
Chen Chih-hao EasyCard Spokesman We hope the two cities can agree that if access to Kaohsiung is given then access will be given to Taipei and vice versa based on the principles of fairness and reciprocity.
At present, the two sides are stalemated and do not seem interested in making any concessions. That means that the Kaohsiung and Taipei MRTs will be using separate stored value cards to collect fares for quite some time.
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