The banks were due to get the technical specs for formatting the...

The banks were due to get the technical specs for formatting the ATM's on 1st Feb according to the ABA update statement in Nov. From that point it is a pretty simple execise to change the software over to surchaging, test the thing and press start. However, the banks are claiming it will take time to switch over 25000 machines and test them all. They reckon that they can get it done by Xmas 2008 but then you confuse the punters by bringing in a new system then so you might as well wait till March 2009. The banks also claim that they should only be moving as fast as the slowest member to avoid a staggered start and confusing the punter further.

I find it incomprehensible that a system that the RBA has wanted to implement since 2001 will have taken 8 years for the banks to install including fighting tooth and nail against it for 6 years and then dragging the chain for a further 2. Its criminal what power these banks wield.

On another note, I have just been reading about the dramas the Chinese are having trying to get home for New Year with the weather at the moment. Apparently there are still 100 mill people trying to find transport that works and only 4 days left to travel. Anyone seen Planes, Trains and Automobile (John Hughes film)? Multiply that by 100 mill times!!!! (I bet the ATM's have got a bit of a work out aswell.)