Thanks konkat I'll check that out. Erg's competitors offer a lot...

Thanks konkat I'll check that out.

Erg's competitors offer a lot in terms of providing a template for the future direction and application of transit scards.
Oyster has made plenty of noises of late regarding its jv with Barclaycard. It cheeses me off that Cubic has stolen the march where in the past Erg enjoyed breaking new ground (Utah aside). That is not to say Cubic thought of it first but it certainly has provided an insight to what most transit authorities will adopt.
Not that I am ignoring our Asian neighbours but their projects are run entirely differently, particularly Japan and Korea.
Applying the same model to Sydney then lets say Visa issues a new scard with a transit component. A dual interface card that offers credit (contact) and transit (contactless) with a e-purse for contactless micro-payments.
The value for Visa is obvious more card holders. The value for the transit authority is lowering costs and increasing revenues whilst providing a service that utilises the banks infrastructure. The values for the system integrator are significantly more exchanges and therefor more exchange fees (notably cheaper than bank fees) The customer is better off also. Win,win, win and win.

Have a great trip Mike geez you get around! Keep in touch.

cheers,
walt.