Confederation Bridge Gift Card Program Spans the Payment Divide

Strait Crossing Bridge Limited (SCBL), the operator of the 12.9 km long Confederation Bridge that links Prince Edward Island to the rest of Canada, has just launched a new stored-value gift card program powered by Ernex. The gift cards are accepted at the toll-plaza and can be used by customers to pay for their toll when crossing the bridge.

"We are excited to give our customers another way to pay for their crossing over to Prince Edward Island," said Marsha Metcalfe, Director of Marketing for the Confederation Bridge. "We are working to get partners in the area to carry the cards so customers have several locations where the cards can be purchased." Cards are currently available for purchase at the office at 43 Queen St, Charlottetown, MacArthur's PetroCan, Richmond & Summerside MacArthur's Esso, Summerside and Borden Esso.

The Confederation Bridge is also using the cards as a promotional tool, having recently issued over 500 cards for visitors that have purchased hotel packages to the Jack Frost Children's Winterfest, which is the largest winter festival east of Quebec City. The cards are an ideal promotional tool for hotels, golf courses or any organization that wants to create a package for tourists coming to PEI, but that are worried that the toll might be a hindrance to attracting those customers. By loading the gift card with the value of a full toll, merchants can eliminate customer's concerns about additional costs for their package.

"With this program launch by the Confederation Bridge, I think you are starting to see people realizing that stored-value programs, or gift cards, are not just for retailers and restaurants," said Malcolm Fowler, Vice President & General Manager of Ernex. Stored-value gift cards are ideal for use as payment in situations where customers use a business frequently. Not only does this build loyalty between the customer and the business, but it reduces the transaction costs for the merchant. The gift cards are activated and processed through an integrated debit/credit/gift card processing solution from Moneris Solutions Corporation.