Taipei: EasyCard users can now automatically top up their cards when taking buses in Taipei and New Taipei, EasyCard Corp. said Friday. The service applies to EasyCards linked to credit cards, debit cards, or bank accounts, the Taipei-based company said in a statement.

According to Focus Taiwan, when the balance on an eligible EasyCard falls below NT$100 (US$3.43), the bus fare validator will automatically add NT$500 to the card before deducting the fare. EasyCard Corp. reminded passengers that the auto top-up process takes about three to five seconds, advising riders to keep their card on the validator until the machine indicates the top-up has been completed.

If the card is removed too quickly or the top-up fails for another reason, the linked bank account or credit card will not be charged, and the failed transaction will not appear on the cardholder's billing statement. Taipei's Public Transportation Office stated that the service also applies to iPASS and icash cards linked to credit cards, debit cards, or bank accounts.

Before the service was introduced, passengers with insufficient stored value had to top up their cards at MRT stations or convenience stores before taking buses.