Taipei EasyCard Corp yesterday introduced its latest electronic wallet, which will allow users to check transaction records and cardholder registration online.
The two new functions will help the new IC EasyCard better prevent card theft and protect the rights of cardholders, as the company tries to promote the use of the cards as electronic wallets.
The company launched the EasyCard as an electronic wallet that can store up to NT$10,000 in value in 2010, and has been working to expand the use of the card from public transit to convenience stores and other stores.
Photo: Wang Yi-sung, Taipei Times
To encourage the public to “upgrade” their EasyCard, the company will offer free IC EasyCards to current card users until January next year. During that period, regular EasyCard holders can fill out application forms on the company’s Web site to receive the free cards.
The company will also accept applications at three EasyCard service centers at Taipei Railway Station, Banciao Railway Station and Songshan Railway Station every weekend. The on-site service will continue until Sept. 2.
Taipei EasyCard Corp chairman Liu I-cheng (劉奕成) said if a cardholder loses the card, the company would be responsible for any balance loss six hours after the card was lost, due to the time it requires for the collection of transaction records.
In celebration of the launch of the IC EasyCard, Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bin (郝龍斌) lauded the company for its innovation and risk-taking, and said he expected the EasyCard to offer more services that can make people’s lives more convenient.
“Having an IC EasyCard is like carrying a mini-computer. You can look at personal information in the card, and won’t worry about losing the card,” he said yesterday during the launching ceremony at Taipei Railway Station.
To check one’s personal information and balance, cardholders can insert the card into ATM card readers and check the latest six transactions and transaction records for the previous three months.
The card is now accepted at convenience stores, major fast food chains and gas stations. The company is also looking into the possibility of integrating the cards with ATM cards, allowing cardholders to withdraw money from bank accounts and shop using the card.
Former company chairman Sean Lien (連勝文), son of former Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) chairman Lien Chan (連戰), also attended the ceremony, attracting media attention amid rumors he will run for Taipei mayor in 2014.
As the key figure who pushed for the e-wallet program during his time as company president, Sean Lien expressed his pride in the program while declining comment on the rumors.
“There are more important issues we should care about, and we shouldn’t be discussing something that is still two years away,” he said.
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