[wlug] AT HOP: Pitfalls In Electronic Transaction Systems

There seems to be a subtle issue with topping up the balance on AT HOP cards used by Auckland Transport: you actually have to use the card somewhere within 60 days of the topup, otherwise the deposit will get taken out again. It appears this has to do with the terminals having to be refreshed daily with their own copies of details about valid cards, and these uploads only include active cards. But try explaining that to the customers... <http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11921624>