MANILA – A contactless and simplified loading transaction awaits beep cardholders starting Monday as AF Payments Inc. has installed new devices called beep™ e-load stations, or stored value updaters at all LRT-2 stations.
Using digital wallets and banking apps, cardholders may reload beep cards before their commute. After purchasing load, cardholders will just head over to these e-load stations to update the card for an easy and contactless transaction, skipping long lines from ticket vending machines and avoiding the need for cash handling.
“Apart from the strict implementation of safety measures to beat Covid-19, this project initiated by LRTA and AF Payments Inc. aims to provide safer and seamless ticket transactions to the commuting public,” Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) Administrator Reynaldo Berroya said in a news release.
He added that this is in accordance with the directive of the Department of Transportation to provide cashless transactions in public transportation systems.
AFPI, the operator of beep™ card, installed one beep™ e-load station at low foot traffic stations and two for busy stations like Araneta Center-Cubao and Recto stations.
Last July 2020, LRT-2 closed its Passengers Assistance Office (PAO) for ticket purchasing and loading as it promotes contactless transactions as part of the “new normal”. Selling/loading of tickets has been made solely through the ticket vending machines to protect passengers and station personnel from the threat of Covid-19.
The PAO, however, remained open to handle operations-related inquiries and ticket problems and to issue concessionary cards to senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
“Our passengers have already adjusted to the new normal. This new method of loading is easy, safe, and convenient especially to those already accustomed to online transactions. By simply texting and tapping, passengers may easily use the Stored Value Updater machines,” Berroya added.
Currently, over-the-air loading is available for users of BPI mobile app, Paymaya, EON by Unionbank, Akulaku, JustPay.to/beep, and Load to Beep.
Banners and related information collaterals on the use of the beep e-load station were already posted and disseminated. Additional information is also available on Beep card’s official Facebook page.
Beep card is a four-year valid reloadable stored value card that can be used for fare payments in MRT and LRT and at various bus lines, among others.
Meanwhile, LRT -2 will gradually increase train capacity starting Monday.
Berroya said the increase in passenger capacity would ensure a faster and more convenient journey for commuters with a boost in the entry of passengers.
"As Metro Manila and its adjacent areas slowly reopen for businesses, we will comply with the directive to gradually increase train capacity. We will make sure to maintain an acceptable extent of physical distancing, and enforce the 7 public transport commandments inside the trains, considering that the safety of our passengers remains our top priority," he said.
He also appealed to LRT-2 commuters to stay at the safe distance markings provided inside the trains and stations. (PR)
