Beep cardholders to enjoy discounted fares, more exclusive benefits

MANILA: Beep card operator AF Payments Inc. has announced its programs on discounted fares and special benefits for cardholders, following the government's call to promote the widespread use of stored value cards. The company also plans to expand its technology-enabled offline services and integrate them with innovative online solutions to make commuting more convenient for Filipinos.

“Commuting is never easy, but it is a reality that many people need to confront every day. While we have ongoing efforts at consumer education to shift mindsets towards owning our stored value card, our immediate priority is to ensure that commuters — many of whom are daily wage earners — can enjoy the benefits without sacrificing their hard-earned money for their families. We’re also working closely with our partner transport operators so we can implement their programs on discounted fares exclusive to Beep cardholders,” AF Payments Inc. President and CEO Jonathan Juan Moreno stated.

Budget constraints and a lack of perceived need for a stored value card are the main causes of the low adoption of Beep cards.

To make Beep cards more accessible, AF Payments has occasionally offered free co-branded Beep cards, which are specially designed limited-edition cards made in collaboration with brands and advertisers. These limited-edition Beep cards are usually distributed in high foot traffic areas and own sites of the featured brand.

LRT-1 and LRT-2 passengers who use Beep cards also receive discounts on fares as an incentive to encourage more passengers to use stored value cards. AF Payments has also relaunched the Beep Rewards program, letting members earn points for every P200 spent. These points can be redeemed for a P10 load, which is equivalent to a 5% discount for regular commuters.

Senior citizens and persons with disability can also receive a 20% discount by using a concessionary card. Students can also apply for Student Discount Cards once they go back to face-to-face classes.

AF Payments has also announced that they will have a new partner to help increase Beep card acceptance by 50,000 touch points nationwide. This partnership will allow cardholders to put their remaining balance to better use if they have not been able to consume it.

It is expected to improve the current ecosystem of off-rail reloading partners, which already includes loading kiosks at PUV terminals, loading services offered in Ministop branches, and stall merchants in LRT-1. Over-the-air reloading using a smartphone is also available, thanks to partner banks and e-wallet apps.

“Building a wide ecosystem of acceptance and loading points allows us to offer Filipinos a more compelling reason to finally own a Beep card or have a Beep app,” Moreno said. “By enabling its use ‘anytime, anywhere,’ we not only help support the government’s thrust for more digital transactions but also make the lives of commuters a little more convenient.”

Photos from AF Payments Inc.

Also read: Beep cards can now be reloaded via mobile app