I-Pass (Taiwan)
 | |
| Location | Taiwan |
|---|---|
| Launched | December 2007 |
| Technology | MIFARE |
| Manager | I-Pass Corporation |
| Currency | TWD ( NT$10,000 maximum load ) |
| Stored-value | Pay as you go |
| Credit expiry | None |
| Website | http://www.i-pass.com.tw/ |
The I-Pass (stylized as iPASS; Chinese: 一卡通) is a contactless smartcard operated by the I-Pass Corporation. It is used in Taiwan for public transportation including KMRT, buses and TRA. It also serves as an electronic wallet. It is available for purchase at all KMRT stations, some OK and some FamilyMart convenience stores.
History
The I-Pass was originally operated by KRTC. It was released in 2007 and began to operate in 2008 along with the opening of KMRT. In 2014, the operation of I-pass was transferred to I-pass Corporation.
Scope of usage
As of 2014/2/14, the scope of usage is:
- Entire KMRT system
- Most buses island-wide that don't run on freeways. See Full list of companies
- TRA: Fulong-Taipei-Miaoli, Linnei-Tainan-Kaohsiung-Pingtung, Pingxi, Liujia, Neiwan, and Shalun Lines
- City Bike, Kaohsiung's public bicycle rental system.
- Ferries in Kaohsiung operated by Kaohsiung City Shipping Co., Ltd.
- Parking lots. Full list
- Shops. Full list
Types of cards
- Adult: 15% discount for KMRT. May apply for NT$999 monthly pass and 1~2 day pass.
- Student/Student ID Pass: 25% discount for KMRT. May apply for NT$799 monthly pass. NT$2 discount for buses in Kaohsiung per section.
- Senior/Disabled: 50% discount for KMRT. May take buses in Kaohsiung free of charge.
- Partner of Disabled: Same discount as Disabled cards when accompanying the disabled for KMRT. NT$2 discount for buses in Kaohsiung per section.
- I-Pass Credit Card: Issued by banks. Same as Adult, but is capable of adding value automatically.
- Special cards: Same as Adult or Student but with unique appearances, most commonly associated with events. Limited availability.
Adult and Student cards cost NT$100.
Availability
As of 2014/2/13, the Adult card is sold at:
- All KMRT stations
- OK in most of southern Taiwan
- Hi-life convenience stores
- Some FamilyMart stores in southern Taiwan
- Some Pingtung bus stations
- Tainan bus station at TRA Tainan station.
Usage
The I-Pass is a contactless card. Simply holding the card in the vicinity of a scanner would complete the transaction. As of 2014/2/14, the locations that provide add-value services are as follows:
- All KMRT stations
- FamilyMart in most of southern Taiwan
- OK in most of southern Taiwan
- TRA stations where it can be used
- Some Pingtung bus stations
- Kaohsiung City Government building