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.
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| beep™ card |
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.
Website and Social Media
www.beeptopay.com
www.facebook.com/beepcardph
www.twitter.com/beep_card
www.instagram.com/beep_card_ph/
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