Anyone know where I can get a black corset and/or knee-high black boots? I can't order online because (a) no paypal account and no credit card and (b) I've never worn a corset before so I want to make sure it fits properly. I don't mind buying secondhand if anyone knows of someone willing to sell.

( ref pic under the cut )

Heya,

We are counting down to the biggest charts of the year!

The PLAYlist Top 50 of 2009!

As for today (Dec 27), we have counted down from 50 till 12 within 11 days! We have 12 more to go!

Click the link below, to see who scored on the top50 so far
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/tag/top50

**********************************

SUPERSTAR BLASTOFF!
Blast Off to the NEW YEAR with 3 nights of PARTAYING in Singapore!
http://www.superstar.sg/blastoff

PARTY LINEUP
█ Day 1 (31/12/2009) – Countdown at Red Dot
Date: 31 Dec 2009, Thu (New Year’s Eve)
Time: 10pm till very late
Venue: Red Dot Design Museum (Main Exhibition Hall)
Address: 28 Maxwell Road, Red Dot Traffic Building
Dress Theme: Glitter, Shimmer, and all things Bling!
DJs: DJ Joe Bermudez (USA), DJ George Leong (SIN)

█ Day 2 (01/01/2010) – Big Bang at Zirca
Date: 1 Jan 2010, Fri (New Year’s Day)
Time: 10pm till very late
Venue: Zirca Mega Club
Address: Block 3C The Cannery, River Valley Road, #01-02 to 05, Clarke Quay
Dress Theme: Neon and an explosion of vibrant colours!
DJs: DJ Johnny Vicious (US)

█ Closing Party (03/01/2010) – Blackhole at Rebel (All Stars Edition)
Date: 3 Jan 2010, Sun
Time: 10pm till late
Venue: Rebel The Boutique Club
Address: Block 3C The Cannery, River Valley Road, #01-07 to 08, Clarke Quay
Dress Theme: Black
DJs: DJ George Leong, DJ Edward Leong, DJ James W.

ADVANCED TICKET PRICES
COMBO 31Dec & 1Jan: S$68 (S$45*)
SINGLE DAY 31 Dec 2009, Red Dot New Year's Eve: S$40 (S$28*)
SINGLE DAY 1 Jan 2010, Zirca New Year's Day: S$38 (S$25*)
* Prices in brackets are concession for those 18 - 21 years, or with valid matriculation or NSF card
- FREE Entry to the Superstar Blast Off Closing Party at Rebel on 3 Jan 2010 (Sun) is limited to the 1st 200 who present the event ticket stub(s), otherwise tickets to 3 Jan 2010 event is only available at the door on event day itself at S$18.

**********************************

SO KEEP ON SUPPORTING US!
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/
http://www.dirrtyinc.com/

INVITE YOUR FRIENDS TO FAN US AT
http://www.facebook.com/dirrtyremixes

OR JOIN OUR GROUP
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=33423295274

AND FOLLOW US
http://twitter.com/dirrtyremixes


**********************************

dirrtorians only: Weekly Round Up In One Click (December 27, 2009)
423 MB; 48 files
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/27/dirrtorians-only-weekly-round-up-in-one-click-december-27-2009/

**********************************

remixes

remixes: N’sync - Bye, Bye, Bye
* Bye, Bye, Bye (Teddy Riley Club Remix)254
* Bye, Bye, Bye (Teddy Riley Funk Remix)130
* Bye, Bye, Bye (Teddy Riley Radio Edit)165
* Bye, Bye, Bye (Riprock ‘N’ Alex G. Club Mix)177
* Bye, Bye, Bye (Thunderpuss Club Mix)400
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/21/remixes-nsync-bye-bye-bye/

remixes: Lady GaGa - Telephone (feat Beyonce)
* Telephone (Kaskade Radio Edit) and Beyonce1185
* Telephone (Electrolightz Remix) feat Beyonce2616
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/21/remixes-lady-gaga-telephone-feat-beyonce-2/

remixes: Kesha - Tik Tok
* Tik Tok (Joe Bermudez & Chico Club Mix)874
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/21/remixes-kesha-tik-tok-2/


remixes: Paul Oakenfold - Faster Kill Pussycat (with Brittany Murphy) *RIP*
* Faster Kill Pussycat (Club Mix) feat Brittany Murphy666
* Faster Kill Pussycat (Radio Edut) feat Brittany Murphy337
* Faster Kill Pussycat (Eddie Baez’s Future Disco Mix) feat Brittany Murphy378
* Faster Kill Pussycat (Eddie Baez’s Radio Edit) feat Brittany Murphy257
* Faster Kill Pussycat (Liam Shachar Mix) feat Brittany Murphy199
* Faster Kill Pussycat (Hip Hop Mix) feat Brittany Murphy210
* Faster Kill Pussycat (Roman Hunter Mix) feat Brittany Murphy217
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/21/remixes-paul-oakenfold-faster-kill-pussycat-with-brittany-murphy-rip/

remixes: Timbaland - Morning After Dark (feat SoShy & Nelly Furtado)
* Morning After Dark (Sam998899’s Club Mix)192
* Morning After Dark (Sam998899’s Radio Edit)162
* Morning After Dark (a_LEX’s Latin Morning Club Mix)217
* Morning After Dark (a_LEX’s Latin Morning Dub)69
* Morning After Dark (a_LEX’s Latin Radio Edit)152
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/22/remixes-timbaland-morning-after-dark-feat-soshy-nelly-furtado-3/

remixes: Little Boots - New In Town
* New In Town (Fred Falke Vocal Remix)926 - Official
* New In Town (Fred Falke Instrumental Mix)72 - Official
* New In Town (No One Is Safe - Alex Kapranos Remix)117 - Official
* New In Town (Drop The Lime Dub)69 - Official
* New In Town (Den Haan Remix)89 - Official
* New In Town (Bimbo Jones Radio Edit)246 - Official
* New In Town (Bimbo Jones Club Mix)267
* New In Town (Emil & Friends reMix)65
* New in Town (GoldieLocks remix)71
* New in Town (A1 Bassline Remix)471 - Official
* New in Town (The Golden Filter Remix)375 - Official
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/22/remixes-little-boots-new-in-town-2/

remixes: Whitney Houston - I Didn’t Know My Own Strength
* I Didn’t Know My Own Strength (Offer Nissim Mix)494
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/22/remixes-whitney-houston-i-didnt-know-my-own-strength-2/

remixes: La Roux - In For The Kill
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/23/remixes-la-roux-in-for-the-kill/

remixes: Christina Milian - AM To PM
* AM To PM (HQ2 Club Mix)342 - Official
* AM to PM (HQ2 Radio Edit)201 - Official
* AM To PM (E-Smoove House Mix)152 - Official
* AM To PM (Irv Gotti Gutta Remix)140 - Official
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/24/remixes-christina-milian-am-to-pm/

remixes: Rihanna - Hard
* Hard (Jody Den Broeder Club Mix)1293
* Hard (Jody Den Broeder Dub)265
* Hard (Jump Smokers Remix)1891
* Hard (Chew Fu Extended Mix)1675
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/24/remixes-rihanna-hard-2/


remixes: Craig David - Insomnia
* Insomnia (Seamus Haji & Paul Emanuel Club Mix)437
* Insomnia (Seamus Haji & Paul Emanuel Radio Edit)270
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/26/remixes-craig-david-insomnia-2/

remixes: Iyaz - Replay
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/25/remixes-iyaz-replay/

Top50of2009: [#39] Pink - Please Don’t Leave Me
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/21/top50of2009-39-pink-please-dont-leave-me/

Top50of2009: [#38] Miley Cyrus - Party In The USA
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/21/top50of2009-38-miley-cyrus-party-in-the-usa/

Top50of2009: [#37] Janet Jackson - Make Me
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/21/top50of2009-37-janet-jackson-make-me/

Top50of2009: [#36] Taylor Swift - Love Story
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/22/top50of2009-36-taylor-swift-love-story/

Top50of2009: [#34] Sugababes - Get Sexy
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/22/top50of2009-34-sugababes-get-sexy/

Top50of2009: [#33] 3OH!3 - Dont Trust Me
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/22/top50of2009-33-3oh3-dont-trust-me/

Top50of2009: [#32] Kings Of Leon - Use Somebody
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/22/top50of2009-32-kings-of-leon-use-somebody/

Top50of2009: [#31] Lily Allen - Fuck You
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/23/top50of2009-31-lily-allen-fuck-you/

Top50of2009: [#30] Rihanna - Russian Roulette
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/23/top50of2009-30-rihanna-russian-roulette/

Top50of2009: [#29] The Ting Tings - Thats Not My Name
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/23/top50of2009-29-the-ting-tings-thats-not-my-name/

Top50of2009: [#28] Leona Lewis - Happy
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/23/top50of2009-28-leona-lewis-happy/

Top50of2009: [#26] Black Eyed Peas - Meet Me Halfway
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/24/top50of2009-26-black-eyed-peas-meet-me-halfway/

Top50of2009: [#25] Cheryl Cole - Fight For This Love
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/24/top50of2009-25-cheryl-cole-fight-for-this-love/

Top50of2009: [#24] Mariah Carey - I Want To Know What Love Is
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/24/top50of2009-24-mariah-carey-i-want-to-know-what-love/

Top50of2009: [#23] Britney Spears - If You Seek Amy
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/24/top50of2009-23-britney-spears-if-you-seek-amy/

Top50of2009: [#22] Beyonce - Diva
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/25/top50of2009-22-beyonce-diva/

Top50of2009: [#21] La Roux - Bulletproof
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/25/top50of2009-21-la-roux-bulletproof/

Top50of2009: [#19] Kelly Clarkson - My Life Would Suck Without You
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/25/top50of2009-19-kelly-clarkson-my-life-would-suck-without-you/

Top50of2009: [#20] Jay-Z - Empire State Of Mind (feat Alicia Keys)
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/25/top50of2009-20-jay-z-empire-state-of-mind-feat-alicia-keys/

Top50of2009: [#19] Kelly Clarkson - My Life Would Suck Without You
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/25/top50of2009-19-kelly-clarkson-my-life-would-suck-without-you/

Top50of2009: [#18] Shakira - She Wolf
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/26/top50of2009-18-shakira-she-wolf/

Top50of2009: [#17] Kesha - Tik Tok
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/26/top50of2009-17-kesha-tik-tok/

Top50of2009: [#16] Mariah Carey - Obsessed
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/26/top50of2009-16-mariah-carey-obsessed/

Top50of2009: [#15] Whitney Houston - Million Dollar Bill
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/26/top50of2009-15-whitney-houston-million-dollar-bill/

Top50of2009: [#14] Pussycat Dolls - Hush Hush; Hush Hush
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/26/top50of2009-14-pussycat-dolls-hush-hush-hush-hush/

Top50of2009: [#13] Cascada - Evacuate the Dancefloor
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/27/top50of2009-13-cascada-evacuate-the-dancefloor/

Top50of2009: [#12] Lady Gaga - LoveGame
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/27/top50of2009-12-lady-gaga-lovegame/

**********************************

That's all for last week

Do visit us daily at
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com

dirrtysean

Honestly, I wouldn't mind finding either of them under my tree.

Read here: EZ-Reload issue--


I emailed PTC to get an response on the following:
1. a) why was the change of EZ-Link card necessary?
-- b) why not phased out like cashcards, with free exchanges up till each card's expiration date?
-- c) how much did EZ-Link "earn" from the confiscation of deposit?
-- d) wasn't old EZ-Link card supposed to pay for itself over time? Why bother with change?

2. a) what their thoughts are on poor implementation of GIRO facility?
-- b) how could auto top-ups be chargeable?
-- c) why is EZ-Link profiting from this? and why is it approved? (repeated question)
-- d) is EZ-Link profiting further from similar credit card links?

3. crowd should be moved along (remember MRT bomb scares?), and outside of complaints of SMRT re: the efficiency of moving crowds along, shouldn't automatic top-ups be encouraged to reduce queuing? See: long queue with confused tourists at machines near Orchard Ion exit.


Their response:

Dear XXXXXX,

Thank you for your email to the Public Transport Council (PTC) on 18 Dec 09.

Allow us to briefly explain that the intention of introducing the new Contactless e-Purse Application (CEPAS) open standard by IDA is to give consumers the convenience of having a single card for making transit, motoring and retail payments instead of having multiple cards for different purposes. It will also encourage competition by facilitating the market entry of more card issuers and provide more choices for commuters. For further details on the adoption of this CEPAS standard in transit payment, you may wish to visit:

CEPAS e-Payments - http://www.ida.gov.sg/News%20and%20Events/20050714100041.aspx?getPagetype=21
New E-Payment System and Next Generation Card for Public Transit - http://app.lta.gov.sg/corp_press_content.asp?start=1990

As you have rightly mentioned, Transit Link used to provide automatic GIRO top-ups at no charge to commuters. This was not because the top-ups were free, but because the cost of top-ups was absorbed by Transit Link which is jointly owned by the two public transport operators – SMRT and SBS Transit. Such an arrangement was commercially viable for Transit Link because the old cards were mainly used on board buses and trains. Going forward, the new CEPAS-compliant cards by intent can also be used in private vehicles for ERP, retail shops, libraries and many other places which are not related to public transport. EZ-Reload by GIRO is an extra form of value-added service introduced by EZ-Link Pte Ltd for the convenience of adult ez-link cardholders who want to avoid the hassle of topping-up their cards.

Having said that, PTC's role is to ensure that basic "free" electronic top-up channels will continue to be available within transit areas. This is so that the majority of commuters can continue to access such "free" top-up channels to electronically top-up their cards. Records show that more than 90% of the daily top-up volume is done though such top-up points. This safeguarding of basic service provision applies to all transit cards. Therefore, commuters who do not wish to take up any extra value-added services offered by card issuers will still be assured of free top-up of their cards at conveniently located General Ticketing Machines and Passenger Service Counters at all MRT/LRT stations, Add-Value Machines and ticket offices at MRT stations, major bus interchanges, etc.

We hope the above clarifies.

Here's wishing you a Merry Christmas.

XXXXXXXXX
for Secretary
Public Transport Council

Quite a decent reply that actually makes sense! Which is making me super irritated. Also, there are still some unanswered questions.

In summary:
- there will be increased profits posted by SMRT and SBS Transit next year because they no longer have to suffer from burden of these 'administrative fees'
- EZ-Link was earning money from the start from these automatic top-ups
- PTC's role stops before premium services, which means this concerns them not (????)


I still think this entire thing very shady. First, the person quoted more than 90% topping up through normal channels, but did not clarify if this was before EZ-Reload came along. It would be more accurate if they provide two figures as comparison, and not in percents (we can safely assume the new cards are from relatively active users; while there should still be many old cards out there which would greatly decrease the percentage of active users who used auto top-up previously).

I also don't know how many people got the new EZ-Link card as a direct replacement for their cash cards (which is very much alive), but I wouldn't feel safe purchasing things off an automatic-topped up card when I already have a NETS card. There is a policy which protects the cardholder which is all good, but we have no idea how easy this would turn out to be. It might be very easy, but let's cast doubt since it's new.

--

I'm super slow but I googled Octopus Cards (Hong Kong) to see what other first-class transport services have to offer regarding automatic top-ups, and GUESS WHAT?? The facility is named 'Reload'. Talk about creativity. :\

The cards can also be used at retail outlets, but there is no fee. NONE (except when changing banks where top-ups occur).

And I'm super duper slow but Today has addressed whatever I just typed above with no recourse.


I really don't think it is a fair trade-off, mainly because I'm one of those who used automatic top-up previously. What do you think?

Hello all,

If you're free on the evening of the 29th, head down to Post-Museum and listen to five speakers provide a sectoral round-up of the developments within their community. They will be speaking about:

• historian Loh Kah Sengt: the changing manner young Singaporeans are reading history,
• research fellow/playwright Tan Tarn How: debate and its nature in the non-public sphere
• Arts NMP Audrey Wong: the recent activism within the arts community,
• Coordinator of MARUAH Braema Mathi: human rights development and priorities in Singapore and Asia,
• Vice President of Singapore Society of Finance Professionals Leong Sze Hian: finance and the economy

There will be a break-out discussion sessions with the individual speakers after the presentation, with a special session with members invited from the youth wings of political parties.

The event is jointly organized by The Online Citizen and Talk Politics All Night.



The Facebook event page is here If you wish to attend or have any further queries. For directions to Post-Museum, gothere.sg/directions#109%20Rowell%20Rd

Heya,

Thanks for coming down and supporting us for the Top 50 of 2009! Those who went on Friday night would know who scored the number #1 song of 2009. But for those who didnt, don't worry! We will be posting the top 50 ranking daily till the 1st of Jan next year.

Visit this URL daily!
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/tag/top50


And Remember to keep voting for the dirrtyawards! best of 2009!
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/dirrtyawards
(voting ends on 26th dec 2009)

**********************************

SO KEEP ON SUPPORTING US!
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/
http://www.dirrtyinc.com/

INVITE YOUR FRIENDS TO FAN US AT
http://www.facebook.com/dirrtyremixes

OR JOIN OUR GROUP
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=33423295274

AND FOLLOW US
http://twitter.com/dirrtyremixes


**********************************

dirrtorians only: Weekly Round Up In One Click (December 13, 2009)
982 MB; 90 files
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/13/dirrtorians-only-weekly-round-up-in-one-click-december-13-2009/

**********************************

remixes

remixes: Keri Hilson - I Like
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/14/remixes-keri-hilson-i-like/

remixes: Whitney Houston - I Look To You (includes ZipUp)
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/14/remixes-whitney-houston-i-look-to-you-includes-zipup/

remixes: Leona Lewis - Happy
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/14/remixes-leona-lewis-happy-2/

remixes: Jennifer Hudson - If This Isn’t Love
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/15/remixes-jennifer-hudson-if-this-isnt-love-2/

remixes: Kaskade & Seamus Haji - So Far Away (feat Haley)
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/15/remixes-kaskade-seamus-haji-so-far-away-feat-haley/

remixes: Jennifer Lopez - Love Don’t Cost A Thing
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/15/remixes-jennifer-lopez-love-dont-cost-a-thing/

remixes: Space Cowboy - I Came 2 Party (feat Paradiso Girls)
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/15/remixes-space-cowboy-i-came-2-party/

remixes: Colbie Caillat - Fallin’ For You
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/16/remixes-colbie-caillat-fallin-for-you/

remixes: Anastacia - Left Outside Alone
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/16/remixes-anastacia-left-outside-alone/

remixes: Utada - Dirty Desire
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/16/remixes-utada-dirty-desire/

remixes: Whitney Houston - Million Dollar Bill (Includes ZipUp)
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/16/remixes-whitney-houston-million-dollar-bill-includes-zipup/

remixes: Gloria Estefan & Nsync - Music Of My Heart
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/16/remixes-gloria-estefan-nsync-music-of-my-heart/

remixes: Rihanna - Hard
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/17/remixes-rihanna-hard/

remixes: Lady GaGa - Telephone (feat Beyonce)
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/17/remixes-lady-gaga-telephone-feat-beyonce/

remixes: Jennifer Paige - Crush
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/18/remixes-jennifer-paige-crush/

remixes: Beyonce - Video Phone
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/19/remixes-beyonce-video-phone-4/

remixes: Alexandra Burke - Broken Heels
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/19/remixes-alexandra-burke-broken-heels/

remixes: Craig David - Fill Me In
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/20/remixes-craig-david-fill-me-in/

remixes: Madonna - Revolver (includes ZipUp)
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/20/remixes-madonna-revolver-includes-zipup-3/

Top50of2009: [#50] Pink - Sober
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/17/top50of2009-50-pink-sober/

Top50of2009: [#49] Little Boots - Remedy
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/17/top50of2009-49-little-boots-remedy/

Top50of2009: [#48] Jason Derulo - Whatcha Say
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/17/top50of2009-48-jason-derulo-whatcha-say/

Top50of2009: [#47] Jordin Sparks - S.O.S (Let The Music Play)
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/18/top50of2009-47-jordin-sparks-sos-let-the-music-play/

Top50of2009: [#46] Taylor Swift - You Belong With Me
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/18/top50of2009-46-taylor-swift-you-belong-with-me/

Top50of2009: [#45] Jay Sean - Down
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/18/top50of2009-45-jay-sean-down/

Top50of2009: [#44] The Pussycat Dolls - Jai Ho!
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/19/top50of2009-44-the-pussycat-dolls-jai-ho/

Top50of2009: [#43] Utada - Come Back To Me *REUPLOADED*
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/19/top50of2009-43-utada-come-back-to-me/

Top50of2009: [#42] Enrique Iglesias - Takin Back My Love (feat Ciara)
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/19/top50of2009-42-enrique-iglesias-takin-back-my-love-feat-ciara/

Top50of2009: [#41] Kelly Clarkson - Already Gone
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/20/top50of2009-41-kelly-clarkson-already-gone/

Top50of2009: [#40] Deborah Cox - Beautiful U R
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com/2009/12/20/top50of2009-40-deborah-cox-beautiful-u-r/

**********************************

That's all for last week

Do visit us daily at
http://www.dirrtyremixes.com

dirrtysean

A comment spotted on TOC:




LOL!

I posted this on my journal but some people think it best to publish this fuckery in a more public manner.

This is the reply email from EZ-Link dated 27 Nov. I sent them my rant feedback regarding the EZ-Link automatic top-up facility charge of $0.25 for each top-up on 6 October. LOL CUSTOMER SERVICE.


( tl;dr )

Yes, I always am agitated AND CAPITALISE WITH NO REGARDS FOR importance in my complaint letters.

Basically the point of my rant was:
- who is getting the $0.25 top-up fee?
- why go ahead with the mandatory switch when they seem so unprepared?
- why no response to letters in the press?
- what the $&#% have they been doing the past 9 months to be so unprepared for this switch?


Their reply:

Dear XXXX,

With regards to your query, with the urgency to roll out the EZ-Reload by Giro, manual forms were implemented. As EZ-Reload by GIRO is a new scheme, a new system has to be developed to support GIRO top-up transactions. As with any new system, time is required to develop, test and commission the new EZ-Reload by GIRO service prior to public launch.

The roll-out of the new top-up facility also took into consideration the implementation of reduced bus and train fares which was brought forward from October 2009 to 1 April 2009.

To accommodate system testing and fare verification so to ensure a smooth implementation of the reduced bus and train fares, the introduction of the top-up facility was thus rescheduled to 27 August 2009.

The nominal $0.25 fee covers the processing cost incurred in the provision of the EZ-Reload service. It is not imposed by the bank. It is to cover the entire end-to-end process of providing that service. This fee is incurred only when the automatic top-up facility is used. How often the card holder automatically tops-up his/her card depends on the extent of usage and how much customer tops-up his/her card each time.

Customers have the choice of the type of top-up they want for their card according to their lifestyle needs.

We would like to highlight that EZ-Reload is a premium service that is offered in addition to the numerous free top-up channels that are already available to commuters, such as General Ticketing Machines, Add-Value Machines, TransitLink Ticket Offices, Passenger Service Counters at MRT stations. In addition, top ups of ez-link cards at all DBS/POSB ATMs and AXS D-Pay stations are similarly.

Thank you.

Brgds,
POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE GUY AT EZ-LINK (name removed)

Customer Service Hotline: 6496 8300

Basically the gist of the reply:
- SHUT THE #$^^ UP YOU HAVE NO CHOICE
- reduced bus and train fares affect our systems because we suck at multi-tasking and/or our systems suck and can't handle both processes
- we use manual forms because we have committed to a date but it's not up yet due to above
- and then because we suck at implementing the new system at the new committed date, we are still stuck at manual forms
- $0.25 consists of printing that piece of paper so you can write on it and send it back to one of our poorly paid staff to key into system to send to the banks for approval
- we are now making even more money by discontinuing the previously free GIRO automatic top-up which one can apply for with immediate approval through one of those machines at MRT stations and without any fuss because the bank will just send a letter to your home in case of discrepancies.

Ergo, they lack preparedness. I don't even know who the #$^@ approved this mandatory switch when everything is so chaotic. Why can't the EZ-Link card readers read both the new and old cards?? The people who thought of this up through the chains of command are the least efficient bunch of people ever. BLOOD SUCKERS.

I pity the customer service guy all sorts of way because they must have serious backlog. My anger is directed at the company because they are just full of shit. ASDFGHJKL; I can't even calm myself down; the automatic GIRO top-up facility was the best thing ever because it was a necessity.



To be honest, despite my original email, still no idea who we can look for to have this weird/unethical practice by EZ-Link looked into.