Yay or Nay: The use of debit and credit cards in public transpo

Romar Fernando

April 22, 2021

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  Photo Credit: Business Mirror

  You probably own one or two debit and credit cards. And you probably use those cards for purchases in malls, boutiques, and supermarkets. But this time, are you willing to use your cards on public transport?

  Way back in October 2020, when the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has announced their collaboration with the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) on the pilot testing of a new automated fare-collection system (AFCS).

  The government agency seems to take advantage of the pandemic that the commuters might consider using contactless payment procedures to avoid close interaction with others. This new automated fare-collection system aims to expand the public’s fare options. This program can be able to solve the chaotic situation of our jam-packed transport system.

  And this time, it also involves the use of Mastercard EMVCo-compliant debit and credit cards for fare payment in public transportation. The pilot testing of this technology has begun primarily at EDSA Busway system.

  FARE COLLECTION GOES CASHLESS

  As part of the government’s commitment to improving the urban public transportation…

  Posted by Department of Transportation – Philippines on Monday, January 4, 2021

   

  In their January 4 statement, the transport department said that they are “currently formulating and finalizing the release of the AFCS National Standards, a nationwide standard specification for transit fare media and transit readers to ensure interoperability and mutual trust among multiple automatic fare collection players and systems.”

  “The use of this technology in the transit system expands the fare media the public can use. It also promises a more secure payment system, improved passenger convenience, and helps lessen card-issue and management costs for transit operators,” DOTr added.

  On the other hand, videos uploaded in the agency’s Facebook page clearly showed that the new system isn’t completely contactless because of confirmatory commands in the device. Now that pilot testing is ongoing, let’s assume that there will be always a room for improvement.

  Let’s hope that the country’s journey towards modernization will soon reach the light at the end of tunnel. Still, bright lights.

  Stay safe and sound!

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