If you're one of the daily throng of commuters who take a ride on the LRT or the MRT, you'll be glad to know that convenience is on your way. Today, the Light Rail Transit Authority conducted a limited test run of its contactless Automated Fare Collection System, according to the DOTC. This officially signals the shift to cashless transactions when taking public transportation. Also, this is aimed at "enabling seamless transfers from one metro line to another through a unified ticketing scheme, and shortening queuing time for passengers."
"This tap-and-go ticketing system will not only improve the commuting experience for train riders, it will also usher in a culture of cashless transactions across different industries," said DOTC secretary Jun Abaya. "It is fitting that the first transport Public-Private Partnership introduces new technology into our society, as our goal in DOTC is to modernize the country’s transport systems and catch up with our more advanced neighbors. To get it right, we need to go through testing first, with the goal of getting feedback from our passengers."
According to the DOTC: "Under the testing phase, a limited number of new single-journey and stored value tickets branded as 'beep cards' will initially be sold for P20 at the project’s pilot station in Legarda. Pilot testing of the new cards--through a limited public trial at the Legarda Station--begins today, July 20. Commuters may purchase them at designated windows and at two ticket vending machines located inside the station. The new tickets may be used to exit from any LRT-2 station, and may be reloaded at any of these locations as well. The minimum amount that the system requires to be loaded is P12, and the maximum is P10,000."
In the coming weeks, the DOTC says the testing phase will be expanded to other stations of LRT-2, "until all of its stations are fully equipped to sell, accept and process the beep cards."
Hurray for public commuting!
Photos from LRT spokesperson Hernando Cabrera
