The sounds of a piano are to replace the “beeps” emitted when EasyCard users swipe cards at gates on Taipei’s MRT metropolitan railway system from today.
Under city plans, users of student discount cards and other special EasyCards are to hear two piano notes, Taipei Rapid Transit Corp said, adding that the new sound effects would also be used to signal any irregularities and remind riders to charge their cards.
Users who have less than NT$100 left on their EasyCards would hear a piano glissando, while two high notes are to sound if the card cannot be read or registers other irregularities.
The familiar “beep” is to continue to be used at handicapped entrances to avoid confusing blind passengers, the corporation said.
The Taipei Department of Cultural Affairs said that the sounds of a piano were chosen because they are familiar to residents, while versions incorporating traditional Chinese instruments, the pipa and the yangqin, might be used for holidays.
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