DOTr suspends mandatory use of beep cards at EDSA Busway

The Department of Transportation has issued a statement saying that it is suspending the mandatory use of beep cards at the EDSA Busway, starting Monday, October 5, 2020.

This is after the AF Payments, Inc., the provider of the automatic fare collection system (AFCS) at the EDSA Busway, refused to waive the cost of the beep card as requested by the government.

Beep cards are offered at PHP 180USD 3INR 260EUR 3CNY 22. PHP 100USD 2INR 144EUR 2CNY 12 is for the load while the PHP 80USD 1INR 116EUR 1CNY 10 is for the card.

“We are saddened by the refusal of AF Payments, Inc., the provider of the automatic fare collection system (AFCS) at the EDSA Busway, to waive the cost of the beep card despite consistent pleas made by the government,” said the DOTr in a statement. “This would have made a big difference to the commuters, mostly daily wage earners who are the most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

As a result, starting Monday, October 5, 2020, the DOTr is suspending the mandatory use of beep cards at the EDSA Busway “until the issue is resolved.”

In the meantime, the dual payment system will be honored for EDSA Busway passengers. Those who already have beep cards may still use it for payment of fares. Off-board cash payments ill also be accommodated for those who have no cards. Cash payments will be collected by personnel from the EDSA Bus Consortia at the stations.

The DOTr also said that the EDSA Bus Consortia will look for another AFCS provider who can offer a better solution to the problem.