The EasyCard is a contactless smartcard system operated by the EasyCard Corporation, which was previously named the "Taipei Smart Card Corporation", for payment on the Taipei Metro, buses, and other public transport services in Taipei since June 2002, and its usage has since expanded to multiple kinds of businesses. Its use has also since been expanded to include convenience stores, department stores, supermarkets, taxis, and other retailers since 1 April 2010. Like conventional electronic fare systems, the card employs RFID technology to operate without physical contact. They are available for purchase at all Metro stations and all chain convenience stores.
An EasyCard reader on a New Taipei City bus.
A contactless smart card is a contactless credential whose dimensions are credit card size. Its embedded integrated circuits can store data and communicate with a terminal via NFC. Commonplace uses include transit tickets, bank cards and passports.
Size comparison of chip compared to a Canadian penny
Novosibirsk (Russia). Transport fare collection terminal CFT
Smart card being used to pay for public transportation in the Helsinki area
The plastic inlay (right) that contains IC and antenna inside paper contactless smart card used in public transportation in Singapore (left)
