Duterte backs suspension of mandatory use of beep cards along Edsa busway

October 5, 2020

President Rodrigo Duterte supports the suspension of the mandatory use of beep cards along Edsa busway, Malacanang said on Monday.

In a televised press briefing in Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the Department of Transportation's move to allow again cash instead of beep cards alone only showed that the government is listening to the people.

"As far as I know, the President is against in the payment of beep card and perhaps this is one of the reasons why the (use) of beep card was suspended," he said.

The DOTr suspended starting Monday, October 5, the mandatory use of beep cards at Edsa busway. This was after the refusal of AF Payments, Inc., the provider of the automatic fare collection system at the Edsa busway, to waive the cost of the beep card despite pleas 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," DOTr has said.

With the decision, the department said the dual payment system - using the beep cards and cash - would be honored for Edsa busway passengers. Celerina Monte/DMS