EasyCard, a convenient IT ticketing system for Taipei’s public transportation system, has issued its 50 millionth card.
Speaking at a celebration for the 50 millionth card on Friday, Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bing said EasyCard has shaped and changed the living habits of Taipei residents.
Hau credited Taipei mayoral candidate Sean Lien for the changes. Lien served as chairman of the EasyCard Corporation from 2008 to 2009.
Hau said that at Lien’s suggestion, EasyCard has been turned into a small-value debit card and it is widely used in almost every aspect of peoples’ daily lives, from paying parking fees to buying groceries.
Lien said that Taipei’s EasyCard is doing a better job than Hong Kong’s Octopus Card.
"We are doing the same thing that Hong Kong is doing now in terms of electronic payment and ticketing," said Hau.
"To some extent, we do an even better job. I hope EasyCard will team up with the private sector for online use in the future.