DOTr reinstates cash transactions on EDSA Busway

MANILA: The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has suspended the policy on the mandatory use of Beep cards on the EDSA Busway after automatic fare collection system (AFCS) provider AF Payments, Inc. declined to waive the card acquisition fees for commuters.

”We are saddened by the refusal of AF Payments, Inc., the provider of the automatic fare collection system (AFCS) at the EDSA Busway, to waive the cost of the Beep card despite consistent pleas made by the government. This would have made a big difference to the commuters, mostly daily wage earners who are the most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic,” the DOTr said in a statement.

Beginning today, Monday, 05 October 2020, cash transactions will be allowed on the EDSA Busway until the issue is resolved.

Those who already have Beep cards can still use them for the payment of fares, but cash payment will be accomodated for those who have no card yet.

Cash payments will be collected by personnel wearing appropriate face shields, face masks, and gloves to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 at the EDSA Bus Consortia stations.

For their part, the EDSA Bus Consortia will begin looking for another AFCS provider who can provide free reloadable contactless smart cards. A meeting with other AFCS providers is scheduled on Tuesday morning.

Photo by Eric Tipan

Also read: No Beep card, no ride on EDSA Busway starting Oct. 1