You won’t need Beep cards to board EDSA busway for now

The pandemic has made the daily commute to work more stressful than usual, and the additional costs to shoulder in order to board public transportation aren’t helping either.

Previously, commuters complained of a supposed price increase for Beep cards during the launch of EDSA busway’s Automatic Fare Collection System (AFCS). These cards, which used to cost only P50, were being sold for P180 with only P100 credit at bus stations. As voiced by people’s groups and Vice President Leni Robredo, the additional cost is burdensome especially for low-income workers and those affected by the pandemic.

As a response, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) announced in a press statement that the mandatory use of Beep cards as a mode of payment at EDSA busway is suspended starting today.

Last week, DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade said that they have asked the EDSA busway Beep cards’ service provider to issue it for free and scrap the minimum load requirement as well. However, the provider has refused to waive the fees despite their request.

Until the issue is resolved, passengers can opt to pay using their existing Beep cards or by cash, which will be collected by personnel in protective gear. “Meanwhile, the EDSA Bus Consortia stated that they will look for another AFCS provider who can offer a better solution to the existing problem. Meeting with other AFCS providers is scheduled on Tuesday morning,” wrote DOTr in the press statement.

Header photo from Inquirer.net

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Writer: YANN MAGCAMIT