THE Qindaotong card, an IC card used to pay bus fares in Qingdao, will be accepted by the toll fee system, long-distance bus stations, public car parks and gas stations by August next year.

    Apart from the Qindaotong cards already in use, the city is planning to issue another Citizen’s Card in association with banks. Registered in the names of the card carriers, the new card will be used to pay social security and medical fees.

    The Qindaotong card will be further extended to pay for more services, such as museums, concerts, hotel fees, purchases at department stores, booking at gyms and stadiums by August 2013.

    The Citizen’s Card will start a trial service before the end of this month. In two years, the card will be given to every citizen covering public services like housing subsidies.

    Launched on March 31, Qindaotong can be used to pay bus fares, taxi fares and make purchases at more than 100 convenience stores and about 40 restaurants and shops.

    (Chen Ting, Li Lili)