 The PASPY card launched with eight issuing companies, each with their own uniquely colored card, on January 26, 2008.On March 1, the PASPY system also began accepting JR West's ICOCA card, but without allowing PASPY to be used at ICOCA terminals.This was seen as an expedient way to avoid having to obtain agreement from the entire ICOCA service area to have local campaigns and promotional discounts to entice Hiroshima residents to use the PASPY card, while still allowing for travelers from outside the area to use the more widely accepted ICOCA card and visit Hiroshima without having to purchase a PASPY.