Single smart card for public transport pushed

Quezon City Rep. Patrick Michael Vargas (left) and Aklan Rep. Teodorico Haresco Jr. | FILE

Two lawmakers are pushing for a single smart card that can be used on the Bagong Jeep (Beep) and mass railway transit systems in Metro Manila.

Aklan Rep. Teodorico Haresco Jr. and Quezon City Rep. Patrick Michael Vargas filed House Bill Nos. 6308 and 4913, respectively, calling for a “universal beep card” for public transportation in the National Capital Region.

The congressmen noted how Metro Manila’s underdeveloped transport system had discouraged Filipinos from using public rides and forced them to acquire private vehicles, thus adding to the road congestion.

Reloadable

They cited government efforts to improve the situation through the public utility vehicle modernization program, particularly the introduction of Beeps to augment the railway systems in the capital region.

The Beeps and the rail systems use reloadable, contactless smart cards for fare payment called “beep rides” and “beep” cards.

According to Vargas, “cashless transaction systems have been mainstreamed as part of public health and safety measures and to curb the spread of the coronavirus through avoiding or minimizing physical contact.”

But “the hefty costs of having multiple contactless smart cards or ‘beep cards’ for different public transportation schemes defeats the purpose of convenience and economic sustainability,” he added. “A one-card-fits-all system for public transportation is a plausible solution to address these concerns.”

He noted that the integration of fare collection systems using smart cards in other cities like London, Paris, Hong Kong and Seoul had resulted in an increase in the number of public transport passengers.

“As the country faces a looming shortage of beep cards, technological advancement must be coupled with ergonomic solutions,” Vargas said.

Haresco agreed that “with a one-card-fits-all system for public transportation, we effectively remove barriers of expensive and unnecessary costs for commuters.”

Under Vargas’ HB 4913, the Department of Transportation (DoTr) will lead efforts toward the setup of an integrated transportation fare system using the universal beep card for buses, Beeps, and rail-based transportation systems.

Haresco’s HB 6308, meanwhile, has the DoTr working with the Department of Information and Communications Technology and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to establish the system. It also directs these agencies to consult commuter and transports groups in crafting the final rules and regulations of having a universal beep card. INQ

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