Deposit Requirement on Beijing Transport Cards Causes Debate

The pre-paid public transport card has gained popularity since it was introduced in the capital city's in 2006. Replacing traditional paper tickets, the smart card gives passengers not only travel convenience but also a 60 percent discount off the normal price of bus tickets. However, the compulsory 20-yuan deposit, about three US dollars, when getting the card is a major question that the public has been uncertain about. Wang Ling has more.

Reporter: Passengers need to pay a 20-yuan deposit when buying the card on top of putting money on the rechargeable transport cards. The card issuer explained the deposit covers the cost of a single trip in case of insufficient funds, and can be refunded when the card is returned, but many cardholders still aren't too happy about the charge.

"I have no idea why we have to pay this 20 yuan deposit."

"I guess it costs a maximum of 5 yuan to make the card. But I was charged 20. It is not fair. "

"I've had two cards for a year. The deposit is altogether 40 yuan. Although I had the deposit refunded, I gained nothing for the deposit. If I put the money in the bank, I would at least have some interest."

Dr. Kang Xiaoming from Tsinghua University says the card issuer has in fact been violating the public interest since it fails to communicate information about the deposit to the public.

"No one knows the real cost of the card apart from the card issuer. Given the card's extensive usage in Beijing's transportation network, the public interest has been hurt since people have no equal and open access to the necessary information. "

Legal experts, such as Mei Xiangrong from Yingke Law Firm, argue that undur China's Guarantee Law, cardholders have a right to interest derived from the transport card deposit.

"Let me put it simply. For instance, a farmer pledges his cow for a contract and during the contract term, the cow happens to have a baby. When the farmer fulfills the contract and has his cow back, the baby cow should also be returned to the farmer."

It is estimated more than 25 million public transport cards have been issued in Beijing, which would put the total amount of money on deposit from the cards to nearly 500 million yuan.

Wang Ling CRI news.