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Ottawa to offer universal e-card for government services

September 6, 2006

Ottawa Citizen: Ottawa's transportation committee endorsed the beginnings an electronic card system for people to buy a range of city services. The system will be used for bus passes and tickets, but city staff say eventually it could be used for many things like library books, swimming pool fees, parking meters and other city services.

"What we're recommending is a foundation with open opportunities," said Helen Gault, the transit department's manager of planning and development. "You can expand the system to any one who wants to use it."

Bay Councillor Rick Chiarelli said eventually the concept will see kiosks around the city where people could take their cards, insert them, purchase credits for several city services, and load the credits on the card. For instance, someone could buy $10 to be used in parking meters, which can already handle the cards, $10 in bus tickets, $10 worth of swimming pool time, and $10 in library books.

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