INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
More than four months after the unified ticketing system was launched, one million “beep cards” have been sold to commuters of the three elevated railways in Metro Manila, the private concessionaire AF Payments Inc. said on Thursday.
“We are delighted that rail commuters in Metro Manila have taken so readily to the new beep card. Today, beep cards are already used to pay for more than 50% of all rail transactions on LRT 1, LRT 2 and MRT-3,” AF Payments CEO Peter Maher said in a statement.
READ: Long lines for beep cards at MRT as commuters adjust to new system | LRT ‘Beep card’ trial a success – DOTC
AF Payments said it is now looking for ways to make loading points available outside the train stations.
“The company is now shifting its sights to provide a convenient payment system even outside the rails,” it said.
The company said it was “working hard” to be able to deliver one card that works effiiciently across many transport and retail categories in Metro Manila.
“Our vision is for beep to be part of every Filipino’s life. To be able to do this, we are working on getting more establishments to accept the card for top-ups and payment transactions,” Maher said.
The beep card is currently available in all stations of Light Rail Transit Lines 1 and 2 and the Metro Rail Transit-3.
READ: MRT also using Beep cards starting Oct. 3 | LRT 1 now under Ayala, Metro Pacific management | Unified LRT-MRT ‘tap-and-go’ tickets won’t have last-ride bonus
The beep card may be purchased through the Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) and Teller Booths in train stations.
Commuters can buy the beep card for P100 with an initial load of P80. The beep card can be loaded with as little as P11 up to a maximum of P10,000 and can be used up to four years. CDG