ASK to Deliver 700,000 Contactless Cards for Taipei

TSCC involves Taipei City government, Taipei Rapid Transit corporation, 13 private bus companies and several banks. Launched in 2000 when ASK made a first delivery of 500,000 cards, the project gradually spread over the city for mass transit in buses, metros, public off-road car parking lots and taxis. Government, transit operators and end-users can benefit from all the advantages brought by contactless technology. Government project does enhance quality of public transport and mobility for citizens and is participating into improving environment thanks to a reduced number of private vehicles on the road. Public transport schemes can be developed on a large scale while accurate data collection provides the basis to fair rates. On a marketing point of view, Taipei cities government conveys a modern and high technology image of the city both for its inhabitants and visitors. Taipei based public transport operators have now access to a full database allowing traffic forecasts and specific fares collection for a better customer and service management. As boarding goes faster and drivers do not manage any more cash handling, or ticket checking, the overall revenue of the operator increases as well. For passengers, benefits are obvious since they hold now one easy friendly single card for multiple transport modes. They may use it for several months, reload it in Automatic Vending Machines, available throughout the network.