EasyCard Corp. signed a strategic alliance agreement June 23 with Taiwan-based Lion Group under which the latter will issue cards overseas by year-end, boosting convenience for tourists.
The signing ceremony between EasyCard Chairman Chang Chia-sheng and Lion Group CEO Jason Wang was presided over by Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bin.
“International travelers will be able to purchase the cards from more than 79 service points around the world, including Auckland, Bangkok, Los Angeles, Shanghai, Sydney and Tokyo,” EasyCard public relations manager Chiu Pei-yu said.
Cardholders will be able to enjoy the convenience of free rides on the Taipei Mass Rapid Transit system, buses and YouBike. Lion Group further plans to invite other companies to join the program and provide special discounts on services and goods exclusively for members.
To woo foreign tourists, EasyCard’s international version will incorporate national symbols such as the Formosan black bear, Pingxi sky lantern and pineapple cake. “Once tourists have used the cards to enjoy food and have fun in Taiwan, these designs will encourage them to keep the cards as memertos of their trips,” Chang said.
According to Hau, the tie-up assists in marketing Taiwan’s passion, friendliness and convenience to boost Taiwan's international visibility and promote tourism.
With 46 million cards in circulation and over 5.6 million daily transactions, averaging NT$130 million (US$4.33 million), EasyCard plans to expand its operations further.
“We are aiming to globalize the EasyCard,” said Lin Chi-liang, the firm’s vice general manager.
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