Problems with new chip-based travel-cards in Prague

A new chip-based travel-card system launched this week is experiencing some teething problems according to Czech transport authorities. The “Opencard” system has been up and running as a pilot project for more than sixteen months, but the newly launched method of purchasing “electronic tickets” for the Opencard has seen an unexpected huge surge in demand. The biggest problem appears to be a lack of outlets where the card can be purchased – at present only nine places in Prague sell the e-tickets, which reports say, has resulted in queues and other headaches for the Prague Transit Authority. Czechs can already take advantage of a number of unusual ways of paying for their public transportation, including payment by SMS text message.