DOTr to suspend use of beep card in EDSA Busway if issuance fee not waived

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 3) — The Transportation Department on Saturday said it will be forced to suspend the automatic fare collection system in the EDSA Busway if the issuance fee of the beep card is not waived.

The DOTr is calling on beep card service provider AF Payments, Inc. to immediately do away with the payment of the card on top of the fare load, or the agency will suspend its use.

“We call on the AFPI to view the card cost fee as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) to help its clients endure the result of the pandemic,” the DOTr said in a statement.

The DOTr's call comes after its “no beep card, no ride policy” received criticisms from commuters, even after Transportation chief Arthur Tugade's earlier request to the operator to give the stored value cards for free.

Moreover, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is set to release a memorandum circular on the fee waiver not later than next week.