Two solons sought to give free beep cards for commuters at EDSA Busway amid the suspension of the “no beep card, no ride” policy by the Department of Transportation (DoTr).
DOTr said Sunday the suspension would last “until the issue is resolved.” It added commuters can for now go back to paying either cash or using the beep cards.
“Those who have already bought or have existing beep cards may still use them for the payment of fares. Meanwhile, off-board cash payment will be accommodated for those who have no card yet,” the advisory read.
“Cash payments will be collected by the personnel from the EDSA Bus Consortia at the stations. These personnel will be wearing appropriate face shields, face masks, and gloves to prevent the transmission of COVID-19,” it added.
Bagong Henerasyon Representative Bernadette Herrera said in a statement said, “AFPI must be reminded that people are doing badly enough already because of the pandemic.”
AF Payments Inc. (AFPI), a consortium of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. and Ayala Corp., is the company behind the Beep cards.
“Mas maganda siguro na i-fully subsidize na ng kumpanya ‘yung halaga ng Beep card at huwag nang ipasa sa mga pasahero (it would be best if the company fully subsidizes the cost of the beep card,” Herrera added.
Precious Hipolito Castelo, a representative from Quezon City 2nd District also called on DOTr to give commuters free Beep cards for MRT trains systems and at the EDSA Busway.
Solons want free beep cards at EDSA Busway
Castelo filed Resolution 1272 to appeal.
“It is hereby suggested that the Beep cards should be given to commuters for free,” she said.
“The cost of a Beep card, which is P180 (with an initial load of P100), is too much for minimum wage earners who often have only the exact fare for the day for their daily commute,” the solon added.
DOTr chief Arthur Tugade earlier said the agency is looking at a portion of the agency’s fund allocation under the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act or Bayanihan 2 to fund the free Beep cards commuters at EDSA Busway.
The Bayanihan 2 allocated P9.5 billion for DOTr’s assistance to the transport sector stakeholders affected by the COVID-19 crisis.