EZ-link card
The EZ-link card is a non-contact, rechargeable chip card that is used as a ticket in Singapore 's subway ( MRT ) and bus systems .
Overview
It replaced the magnetic memory cards in mid-2002, as these no longer met the increased data storage and information requirements for the expanded local transport network. Among other things, it can be used in buses , the MRT, the LRT and also for payments in shops (e.g. in many McDonald’s branches). The card is anonymous, which means that no ID is required when purchasing. The personalized card is an exception. However, all EZ-link cards have an individual serial number for identification, which enables the route traveled to be tracked, but also to be used as an access card. The name "EZ-link" is pronounced in English like "easy link" ( German: comfortable connection).
On October 1, 2009, the old EZ-link card was replaced by a new CEPAS EZ-link card. CEPAS stands for the Singapore standard "Contactless ePurse Applications". Old EZ-link cards could be exchanged between January 9th and September 30th, 2009.
use
It is sufficient to bring the card within a few centimeters of the reader. The debiting works even with common materials such as leather or cotton, so that most users slide their wallets, handbags, rucksacks or jackets over the card reader . The debiting of the credit takes only 0.2 seconds. If there are several cards in your wallet, for example, the card reader cannot function properly because the cards interfere with each other. As a remedy, the card must be held individually over the card reader.
The card can be reloaded at the stops at special machines and the last debits can be tracked. The purchase takes place at service counters (available in every underground station), 7-Eleven stores or post offices. The purchase price includes a starting credit as well as a card fee of 5 SGD, which is not refunded on return.
advantages
It is no longer necessary to have enough change on hand or to constantly buy tickets. In addition, dodging is practically impossible because barriers have to be overcome at all MRT / LRT stations, and buses can generally only be boarded at the driver's door. In addition, the population is very much aware of the need to report fare dodging to the security staff immediately.
MRI / LRT
In the MRT / LRT network (Mass Rapid Transit / Light Rail Transit), the rate of passage through the turnstiles increased from 25 passengers to 40 passengers in the same time.
buses
Using the EZ-link card, up to 20 passengers per minute can get on a bus, compared to 12 passengers paying cash or 15 passengers using the old magnetic ticket. As a result, this shortens the waiting time of buses at bus stops.
technology
The EZ-link card has the dimensions of a normal credit card according to ISO / IEC 7816. The surface is made of PET , which has negligible effects on the environment when incinerated . The sabotage-proof RFID chip and the antenna are safely protected inside the card. The data connection is made using radio waves at a distance of up to 10 cm. There is no battery in the card, the energy for operating the RFID chip is transmitted by the card reader via electromagnetic waves. The card, like the card reader, creates a secure, fast and reliable data connection. The strong encryption technology prevents eavesdropping and fraudulent use and thus helps to ensure a high level of data security in the system.
The same technique is used for the following cards:
- Atlanta : Breeze Card since 2006
- Hong Kong : Octopus card for MTR and retail since 1997
- Kaohsiung : Easycard for the MRI
- London : Oyster Card since 2003
- Taipei : Easycard for the MRI
- Tokyo - Kantō : Super Urban Intelligent Card (Suica) since 2001
Individual evidence
- ^ Mass ez-link card replacement begins , EZ-Link . January 8, 2009. Archived from the original on November 3, 2012 Info: The archive link was automatically inserted and not yet checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. . Retrieved September 4, 2012.
