If you’re a frequent commuter, you must have heard of the E22 smart card. This smart card is used widely in Indonesia to pay for fares on various modes of public transportation. However, with the rapid development of technology, the E22 smart card is slowly becoming outdated.
What is the E22 Smart Card?
The E22 smart card is a contactless smart card that can be used to pay for fares on buses, trains, and other public transportation. It was first introduced in Indonesia in 2007 and quickly gained popularity among commuters. The card can be topped up with money and used to pay for fares by tapping it on a card reader.
The E22 smart card was a significant improvement from the previous payment system, which relied on cash transactions. The smart card made paying for fares more convenient and helped reduce the number of cash transactions on public transportation.
However, with the advancement of technology, the E22 smart card is slowly becoming outdated.
Why is the E22 Smart Card Outdated?
The E22 smart card uses Near-Field Communication (NFC) technology to communicate with card readers. While NFC technology was a significant improvement from the previous payment system, it has some limitations.
One of the limitations of NFC technology is that it requires close proximity between the smart card and the card reader. This means that commuters need to tap their smart card on the card reader, which can cause delays during peak hours.
Another limitation of NFC technology is that it is not compatible with mobile devices. With the rise of smartphones and mobile payments, commuters are looking for more convenient ways to pay for fares.
What are the Alternatives to the E22 Smart Card?
As the E22 smart card becomes outdated, commuters are looking for alternative payment methods. One of the alternatives is the electronic money (e-money) system.
The e-money system uses digital payment methods, such as mobile payments, to pay for fares. Commuters can top up their e-money balance using their mobile phones and use it to pay for fares by tapping their phones on card readers.
The e-money system is more convenient than the E22 smart card because it allows commuters to pay for fares using their mobile phones. It also eliminates the need for physical cards, which can be lost or damaged.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the E22 smart card is slowly becoming outdated due to the limitations of NFC technology. Commuters are looking for more convenient payment methods, such as the e-money system. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see more innovative payment methods for public transportation.