Martin Li
A SMALL TransCard, or Shenzhen Tong card, featuring UU, the Univerisade mascot, was released yesterday to promote the Games.
The round UU TransCards are available in four colors: yellow, red, blue and orange.
Each bears a unique number and costs 99 yuan (US$15). Only 50,000 cards will be sold according to Shenzhen Post, which is the exclusive seller of the new card.
Cards can be reserved by calling 11185 or logging on to www.shenzhenpost.com.cn, to have cards delivered.
The cards are also sold at Shenzhen Post offices and kiosks.
Except for the round shape, the UU TransCard functions exactly the same as ordinary TransCards used on public transport or for small purchases at convenience stores.
However, while a 25-yuan deposit was charged for ordinary TransCards and refunded when the card was no longer useful, the UU TransCard was not refundable, said Wang Dongjun, vice manager of the Shenzhen Tong Co.
More than 8 million TransCards had been issued and the number was expected to exceed 10 million next year as more Metro lines started operating, Wang said.
From August last year, users have been able to recharge TransCards at Shenzhen Post offices.
The UU TransCard is licensed by the Universiade. Games organizers have signed agreements with more than 30 licensed dealers of Universiade products.
There are more than 800 licensed Universiade products and the number was expected to reach 2,000 by March.