Wazzup Pilipinas!
Last Aug. 8, 2018 (8-8-18), beep had its 1,000,000,000th transaction in the light rail network (LRT 1, LRT 2, MRT 3), just two months short of its third anniversary in the market. Of this number, 56 percent are beep card transactions while 44 percent are cash via single journey tickets.
However, the trend in the use of beep cards is still increasing – in July 2018, some 59 percent of fares were paid using beep cards.
“Reaching this milestone is a testament that we were able to create a robust and dependable payment solution for mass transit that has brought convenience to millions of the city’s rail riders over the last three years,” said Peter Maher, president and CEO of AF Payments Inc., the consortium behind beep.
The Ayala Corp.-Metro Pacific Investments Corp. consortium won the permit to operate an automated fare collection system as a Public-Private Partnership project in 2013.
“Our team works day and night in partnership with the DOTr and the rail operators to ensure that the system meets the demanding performance standards set out in the Concession Agreement,” Maher said.
Strong online and on ground support helped customers easily adapt to the new system. Even commuters attest to the improvement of their journey in the elevated trains because of the beep card. Aside from time saved in falling in line, commuters enjoy seamless transfers between train lines and automatic savings for most rides, among others.
Nicko Abeleda, who frequently rides the LRT 1 from his home in Malabon City to his workplace in Makati, finds it convenient that he can proceed to the turnstiles and tap his way to the train.
“Mas madaling gamitin yung beep card kasi ita-tap mo lang. Mas mabilis kaysa sa magnetic card dati na hindi mo agad alam kung aling side ipapasok. Kumpara naman sa SJT, malaking bagay ‘yung natitipid kong seven pesos bawat LRT ride kapag beep card gamit ko (It is easier to use the beep card because you just tap it, unlike the previous magnetic card. Also, compared to the SJT, the savings of seven pesos per LRT ride is a big help for me),” he said.
Meanwhile, Charisma Geminiano, who frequently rides the LRT 2 and MRT 3, appreciates the easy transfer between rail lines that the beep card made possible. She finds it convenient not having to line up twice to get tickets. “The beep card saves me time because I can load the amount that I need for a week or month. I can easily use the loading machine instead of lining up at the counters, where queues are usually longer,” she said.
Some commuters even note that having a beep card is more hygienic since it lessens the need to fumble with cash, particularly coins, which have been previously handled by so many people. Others are pleased that the beep card is user-friendly for all members of the family, even for senior citizens who get to enjoy their 20 percent discount with their beep Concessionary Card.
Recently, beep launched a mobile app which enables cardholders to check the load and transactions on a daily basis for up to five cards. The app is available for FREE in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
“Our customer surveys have consistently shown that the ease and convenience of using the beep card is among the top three reasons why commuters prefer to take LRT 1,” according to Light Rail Manila Corporation President and CEO Juan F. Alfonso. “Complemented with more trains, more trips, and lesser waiting time, the beep card has contributed to the reduction of the passengers’ travel time.”
Over 5 million beep cards have already been sold. Aside from the LRT and MRT, other modes of transport accepting payment via beep card are the point-to-point buses of Froehlich, HM Transport, RRCG, TAS Trans, and DNS, as well as the BGC Bus, Citylink Coach Services, Lancaster New City shuttle service, and BBL Trans (Balibago-Buendia route). For more information, visit the
website and official
beep™ card Facebook,
Twitter, and
Instagram accounts.
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.
