00:00Long lines no more. A new cashless payment system is being piloted at the MRT3 and for working students like Angela, it could be a total game changer.
00:10From debit and credit cards to e-wallets, commuters now have more ways to ride minus the hassle. Bernard Ferrer tells us more.
00:21Angela is no stranger to the long lines at the MRT3 ticket booth, especially during rush hour.
00:26As a working student, a faster and more convenient way to buy tickets is important to her so she can board a train without delay.
00:34That's why dealing with crowds and long lines is a real inconvenience, especially when she's in a hurry.
00:40Yeah, super. Kasi minsan kapag late ka na, tas kailangan mo pang pumila sa cashier, di ba, pag magbabayad ka.
00:47This is exactly what the Department of Transportation or DOTR aims to address through the pilot testing of a new cashless payment method on MRT3.
00:56Under the system, commuters can now use debit or credit cards as well as e-wallet applications to pay for their fares.
01:04This is part of the expansion of the automatic fare collection system where card readers have already been installed at station turnstile.
01:11Walang sistema pa sa mundo, ito ang unang-una na pwede lahat. Telepono, syempre nandiyan pa rin yung BIP card, pero pwede ding debit card at pwede ding credit card.
01:24Nakakatuwa para sa mga commuters natin na meron na silang opportunity na magbayad ng using iba't ibang paraan at hindi na sila kailangan pumila ng mahaba.
01:36The DOTR has assured the public that the system is safe and secure.
01:39Very secure. Very secure. Kasi ang gumawa nito, yung mga providers natin, Gcash and the banks.
01:47So sinisigurado tayo ng mga banko natin, Land Bank, RCBC, at iba pang mga banko, at ng Central Bank mismo na secure ito.
01:58There will also be no additional charges for using the new cashless payment method on MRT3.
02:03However, a minimum balance of P28 pesos is required upon entry at the turnstile.
02:09Any excess amount will be automatically refunded upon exit.
02:12Depending on the distance traveled, the system is expected to be implemented soon on LRT1 and LRT2 as well.
02:20Efforts are also underway to integrate a 50% fair discount for students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities into a new system.
02:29DOTR Secretary Vince Dizon, DICT Secretary Henry Aguda, and other officials personally tested the new cashless payment system.
02:37Meanwhile, commuters can now also access free Wi-Fi at all MRT3 stations.
02:42According to Secretary Aguda, efforts are ongoing to provide strong internet connectivity inside the train coaches to ensure uninterrupted access during trips.
02:51He added that the government also aims to offer free Wi-Fi in airports, seaports, and key bus terminals nationwide.
02:58Bernard Fidel, from the National TV Network, for new and better Philippines.
