The use of prepaid "smart" cards is increasing. Rapid Card is a prepaid card, similar to a phone card, implanted with a micro-chip which is being tested and will be used to buy bus and DART tickets at participating retailers. It will also be used for parking at two Dublin city centre car-parks - at Dawson and Drury streets.

Unlike the phone cards, however, it is designed to be reloaded with credits and used again.

However, the introduction next year of Mondex, the international electronic purse-type card, will take the `smart' card into another realm. This card can also be filled up with cash, but is designed for widespread retail and service use: including at the local shop, in taxis and even at the local general practitioner's surgery.

Mondex is to be introduced next year on a trial basis by Ulster Bank and National Irish Bank.