Part of measures to address long queues at train stations.
In his announcement on Monday, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Sec. Vince Dizon announced developments regarding the reloadable Beep cards.
Foremost, he revaled that beginning September, the white Beep cards, currently used by senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs), will become available for students.
By acquiring one, members of these sectors will be able to seamlessly avail the 50% discount at MRT-3, LRT-1 and LRT-2—which has been implemented since June—without the need of lining and filling up forms every time.
“Kabilin-bilinan ng Pangulo na dapat ang biyahe ng ating mga studyante ay mabilis at convenient para hindi sila nale-late sa klase. Starting September, hindi na sila mahihirapan,” said Dizon.
These personalized beep cards are valid for one year, with the name of the student imprinted, with the option to renew also open every school year.
With this new development, the printing of the cards will also be expedited to same day processing, in contrast to the 5 to 7-day period currently.
“Pupunta lang sila sa kahit anong station next month, ipapakita ang ID at ipi-print ang beep card right then and there. Ire-renew lang nila ‘yan every after school year.”
Meanwhile, the standard Blue beep cards will also be restocked next week across the entire metro system, with 300,000 cards available to purchase.
Dizon revealed, “By next week, wala na tayong shortage ng Beep Cards. Beep Card will be completing a delivery of 300,000 additional cards across MRT-3, LRT-1 at LRT-2. ‘Yun ang na-compute nating shortage.”
He also warned against a syndicate reportedly hoarding these cards, which will then be sold to online platforms with exorbitant prices.
“Mayroong mga sindikato na namimili sa mga istasyon. We are coordinating with the PNP and SAICT. Babantayan namin ‘yung bawat istasyon para mahuli itong mga loko-lokong ito. Papahuli at ipapakulong natin sila.”
Additionally, the DOTr will also be engaging with online selling platforms to close stores that are selling beep cards online.