IP: the Hong Kong Octopus fare card

[David Farber <dave () farber net>]

> Date: Sun, 10 Jun 2001 21:36:53 -0400
> To: farber () cis upenn edu (David Farber)
> From: Richard Jay Solomon <rsolomon () dsl cis upenn edu>
> Subject: the Hong Kong Octopus fare card
>
> This from a railfan list, but I thought IP'ers might be interested in this 
> seamless blend of IT and transit technology. You wonder why in the 
> so-called advanced U.S. economy there is nothing like this. Why couldn't 
> one pass take you from the Wash. Metro to Amtrak to the Hudson Tubes 
> (whoops, PATH), to the IRT, and get a drink on the way?
>
> Richard
>
> > From: "A. Pierce Haviland Jr." <pierce () haviland org>
> >
> > No, I'm not talking about the fish, but a card the size of a credit card
> > that they use in Hong Kong. I hate to say it, but this system puts our Metro
> > Card to shame. The Octopus card is a value-added card. You can even
> > personailize your card with your name and address so that it is returned to
> > you if you lose it. Yes, this does happen in Hong Kong.
> >
> > I was able to use the card to ride country buses, the MTR (subway), the KCR
> > (Kowloon-Canton Commuter Rail), the Star Ferry and even the Peak Tram to the
> > top of Victoria Peak overlooking Hong Kong. It gets better.
> >
> > If you get thirsty waiting two minutes for a train, you can use your Octopus
> > Card to purchase a coke from a machine on the platform. Drink fast! You
> > can't eat or drink on a train in Hong Kong. If you get thirsty on the way
> > home, you can use the card to make a purchase at 7-11, or even get a coffee
> > at Starbucks. It gets even better.
> >
> > You never have to take the card out of your wallet or purse! The scanner
> > picks it up without the need to take it out. It is a bit odd seeing
> > thousands of male commuters with their wallets in their hands passing
> > through turnstiles, but you get used to it.
> >
> > Imagine a transit system with boards that show the time until the next train
> > arrives and the destination of that train at nearly every station. Imagine
> > subway cars with animated maps that show you where you are on the system and
> > which direction you are heading. It gets even better.
> >
> > At connecting stations, the animated maps flash the connecting route. Common
> > connections, heading in and out of the center of the city, are always
> > directly across the platform. If you ever get the chance, you should visit
> > this city. The plane rides are a killer, but the rewards are many.
> >
> > Pierce



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