People like me are caught in the transition to the new In-vehicle Units (IU) from the old one that only accepts chipped stored-value cashcards. I'm not scheduled for a fitting of the new IU, but my chipped cashcard has expired, and I can't get it replaced as the most common stores, like gas stations, convenience stores, and supermarkets, only sell the new chipless type. Until I can acquire an unexpired chipped cashcard, I won't be able to drive through ERP gantries to get into town, and I won't even be able to park or leave public parking lots as tolls and parking charges get automatically deducted form the card. I will only be able to drive between work and home where I have season parking.
There is only one place to get an unexpired chipped cashcard, and that is the NETS Customer Service Centre which is fortunately near my workplace. Call it a lunchtime errand.
I must commend the lady at the counter dealing with the customer before me. He was relatively elderly, trying to grapple with these transport policy changes which are happening too quickly and suddenly for his liking. He kept asking questions, frequently repeating questions he had asked before, while the lady responded to every question with the patience of Job. Although I had a job to get back to and was running out of patience myself, she remained the epitome of calm until he finally left, a satisfied customer.
When my turn came, lets just say that she respected a customer who knew what he wanted, while I respected her efficiency and her together-we'll-get-it-done spirit. A couple of minutes at the counter was all it took. All chop-chop and go.
A fresh chipped card cost $10 with $5 value pre-stored. It would have cost $25 for the same thing, and I would have had to wait a few days for delivery if I had purchased it online.
