(SPOT.ph) As the workforce steadily gets back into action and students gear up to return to face-to-face classes soon, the daily commute looks to be headed back to the state it was pre-pandemic, i.e. the bonus tenth circle of hell made especially for citizens of the Metro.
Amidst rising consumer prices, only half of the EDSA Carousel buses being deployed during rush hour, the number of free railways for students being reduced, and the Department of Transportation needing an extra P1.4 billion to continue free EDSA bus rides, we truly live in, uh, difficult times. Hey, at the very least, we can seek the aid of transport community bodies with fare discounts to lighten the stress of the daily commute.
AF Payments, Inc., with their tap-to-pay system known as the beep card, is propping up the use of said stored value card by planning to increase the availability of discounted fares, special benefits, as well as both online and offline services for its users over the foreseeable months.
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Here's what we know about the current and upcoming benefits and fare discounts of beep card users:
An alternative to the Single Journey Ticket that about half of daily commuters use, the reloadable beep card can currently be purchased for P130 at select bus terminals, convenience stores, and retail establishments. The beep card can be used at the LRT1, LRT2, and MRT3 railways, EDSA and P2P buses, as well as select PUVs and tollways. A beep card is valid for four years after purchase and activation.
Commuters who use the beep card at LRT1 and LRT2 stations will receive a discounted fare price. Meanwhile, the relaunched beep Rewards Program allows commuters to receive points to redeem P10 load for every P200 spent through the beep card.
Of course, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and student commuters are open to special benefits as well. Senior citizens and PWDs can apply for a concessionary card at LRT1, LRT2, and MRT3 stations for a 20% fare discount. Student Discount Cards are also available but fare discounts under this card have not been disclosed as of yet.
Partner banks and e-wallets such as BPI, Maya, and GCash have an over-the-air reloading service, for you to load up the card without having to head out to a physical kiosk, which they have installed at PUV terminals, Ministop branches, and the LRT1.
"Commuting is never easy, but it is a reality that many people need to confront every day," said the President and CEO of AF Payments, Inc., Jonathan Juan Moreno. "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."
For more information, check out the official Facebook page of beep card.
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