Auto top-up for EasyCard now available on Taipei, New Taipei buses

Taipei, July 3 (CNA) EasyCard users can now automatically top up their cards when taking buses in Taipei and New Taipei, EasyCard Corp. said Friday.

The service applies to EasyCards linked to credit cards, debit cards, or bank accounts, the Taipei-based company said in a statement.

When the balance on an eligible EasyCard falls below NT$100 (US$3.43), the bus fare validator will automatically add NT$500 to the card before deducting the fare, the company said.

EasyCard Corp. reminded passengers that the auto top-up process takes about three to five seconds. Riders should keep their card on the validator until the machine indicates the top-up has been completed.

If the card is removed too quickly or the top-up fails for another reason, the linked bank account or credit card will not be charged, and the failed transaction will not appear on the cardholder's billing statement, the company said.

Taipei's Public Transportation Office said the service also applies to iPASS and icash cards linked to credit cards, debit cards, or bank accounts.

Before the service was introduced, passengers with insufficient stored value had to top up their cards at MRT stations or convenience stores before taking buses.