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eMoney News

Multi-use contactless smart cards for Ottawa?
23 Apr 2010

Smart card travel could be on the cards for Ottawa, with officials in the Canadian capital now considering the merits of a multi-use system.

That is according to the Ottawa Sun, which reports that plans for Presto transit cards in Ottawa and the Greater Toronto Area could be extended as part of a move towards a "tech-savvy city".

City councillor Rick Chiarelli has asked Ottawa's information and technology subcommittee to consider proposals for the 'O card'.

It is intended that the contactless smart card would be capable of functioning for a variety of services across Ottawa.

"The city has been toying with the idea of a multi-use smart card for several years," the newspaper stated. 

"One challenge for the city would be having a smart card compete with other quick payment options, such as debit cards and credit cards."

If the system gets off the ground, it could consolidate a number of existing smart cards currently in circulation for services such as libraries and parking operations, as well as the upcoming Presto transit cards.

In Dumfries and Galloway, sQuid's contactless smart card technology has been added to the National Entitlement Card, allowing eMoney transactions in shops, libraries and leisure centres.