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Ministry bans consumer warnings from IC cards

OUTLAWED WARNINGS * IC cards such as the Taipei MRT's EasyCards can no longer carry messages saying that refunds will not be given if the buyer fails to use up the paid-in amount before the card expires. * Consumers can no longer be told they cannot apply for a new IC card if they lose their current one. * The new rules will govern all pre-paid electronic tickets.

Starting next month, electronic tickets may not display statements that could hurt the interests of consumers, the Ministry of Transportation and Communica-tions said yesterday.

The new policy applies to all integrated-circuit (IC) cards used in mass transportation systems, such as the Taipei MRT System's EasyCards.

It will also apply to mobile phones with electronic ticket functions installed.

Chang Shun-ching (張舜清), a section chief at the Department of Railways and Highways, said yesterday that the ministry has drafted a standardized contract regulating pre-paid electronic tickets.

The contract said that IC cards cannot have statements indicating that there will be no refund for passengers if they fail to use up their pre-paid amount before the card expires.

Neither can the card tell passengers that they cannot apply for a new IC card if theirs is lost.

In addition, the card cannot inform passengers that card issuers are entitled to unilaterally terminate the terms of the contract and be exempt from taking responsibility for system faults.

Chang said card issuers were obligated to announce the change in policy on their Web sites and display the information at bus or train stations.

Meanwhile, Chang said that card issuers must provide passengers with a guarantee that it is able to fulfill the terms as stated in the contract.

To do so, they could either set up trust funds with financial organizations or follow other solutions, as suggested by the ministry and the Consumer Protection Commission.

In addition to Taipei, Taichung County issues the "Taichung eCard" (台中e通卡) for its bus system. Kaohsiung County issues the Taiwan Money Card (Taiwan Money卡).

The ministry said Taipei Smart Card Corp remains the largest electronic ticket issuer in the country. It is estimated that more than 10 million EasyCards have been issued.
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