Stop. Look, Go

One cannot help but to be in awe of the technology that is available today as well as looking forward to the impending creations of tomorrow.

A classic example of technology can be found in the highways and expressways is called the “Touch n Go” system which is a prepaid smartcard that uses Mifare contactless technology.

Mifare is the international de facto standard for contactless smartcard. Information contain in this card can be read and written via magnetic induction using specified radio frequency and smartcard software.Touch ‘n Go card can be use as a mode of payment for highways, public transports, selected parking and theme parks.Each time a user uses the Touch ‘n Go card, the electronic card reader will deduct the exact fare from the value stored inside the card. User can top-up or reload the card with a pre-defined amount to continue using it.

As with every new technology there are of course pros and cons that follow suit. With this particular system, the

Pros are ( “benefitors” in bracket ) :

1) Faster transition time between vehicles ( for users )

2) Lower operating cost for the highway / expressway operators by way of reduced capital employed for the toll booths ( operators )

3) Up front payment from the users ( operators )

4) Able to cater for higher amount of vehicles due to item 1 ( operators )

5) Users will have to fork out RM15 for a card and an additional RM200 for a “Smartag” sensor ( operators )

Cons are :

1) System not reliable which often results in long queues at designated Touch n Go gates ( users kena laaa.. )

2) Pay prior to use a must with a minimum of RM4 balance in card in order to use the system ( users kena lagi )

3) Minimum 3 months cash refund period if user decides to cancel the card ( apalah, kena lagi )

4) No refund for the Smartag if the user decides not to use the system ( this one kena damn kau )

5) Samy Vellooooooooo making tons of moolah in his Swiss Bank Account for extending the tenure of toll operators with every freaking stroke of his pen ( aiks…wrong track liao…sorry but couldn’t resist burning the “wigged” one )

There are actually quite a long list in regards to the “cons” but I am fed up of writing about it liao. My wife can actually memorize the complaints that come out from my mouth each and every time we get stuck at the Touch n Go lane.

So, is this particular technology is that good as it’s made out to be?

To me, it’s good if it benefits the consumers more than the operators….but they can take the Touch n Go technology and shove it up, up, up their hind quarters for safekeeping and take it out when improvement has been made ( 10 centuries later )….so there!!

2 every1 his/her OWN……………….