The Department of Transportation is reiterating its call for AF Payments Inc. (AFPI), the service provider of the "beep" card, to immediately remove the payment for the card, on top of the fare load, otherwise it will suspend the use of the automatic fare collection system in the EDSA Busway.
We are asking AFPI to remove the service fee and other charges that total a significant amount for the cost of the card, the payment of which has been an additional burden for passengers. These are, the ordinary commuters who are still reeling from the impact of the COVID-19 and the strictly enforced community quarantines in their livelihood. Thus, they should be spared from this additional burden.
We call on the AFPI to view the card cost fee as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) to help its clients endure the result of the pandemic.
The DOTr and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) ordered that PUVs must shift to cashless transactions to minimize, if not, avoid human interaction to reduce the risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus.
The LTFRB is set to issue by next week, a Memorandum Circular directing all public utility vehicle (PUV) operators not to place the cost of the cashless payment system, especially the AFCS card, to the commuters.
Further, there are other AFCS providers and other modes of cashless transactions that PUV operators may tap.
Thus, should the AFPI refuse to cooperate by allowing the free use of the "beep" card to commuters upon payment of the fare load, the DOTr will have suspend its use in the EDSA Busway to alleviate the burden of commuters.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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