THE Southern Mindanao Bus Operators Association (SMBOA) is proposing the use of a beep card technology at the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal for faster and paperless transactions.
Aisa Usop, head of the terminal, said in an interview Thursday, March 7, that SMBOA president Jerry Sy made the suggestion during their board meeting. Sy is urging them to introduce the technology to other bus companies.
Usop added that three out of the 14 bus companies operating at the bus terminal have already shown interest in this project. These are Davao Metro Shuttle (DMS), ACF, and NorBiliJun.
She said the proposed project involves the use of cards similar to the beep cards used for the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit in Metro Manila.
Usop said this will allow cashless transactions at the terminal since instead of paying in cash, commuters will pay using a card.
"Pagsakay sa bus i-present nalang didto sa konduktor, siya na mag punch so automatic ma deduct nalang kung asa ang rota padung sila (The passenger will present the beep card to bus conductor to pay for the fare)," Usop said.
She said the technology will be beneficial to the transport system as it will ensure that all payments are accounted for. It will also address manpower issues and corruption among conductors.
Usop said this will also prevent passengers from forgetting their change as their fare is simply deducted from their card.