DEPARTMENT of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade on Friday, October 2, 2020, told senators that he has instructed road sector officials to ensure that the smart cards being used in Metro Manila rail systems and on the Edsa Busway are distributed to commuters for free.
The Secretary also vowed to remove the P5 convenience fee that is being collected from the commuters.
He said this fee is not imposed by the DOTr.
"Ayun nga po ang kinukwestyon ko kanina, liliwanagin ko lang po, ang service provider, hindi ho kami 'yun," he said during the Senate hearing on the DOTr’s proposed 2021 budget.
"Kaninang umaga nabalitaan ko na po 'yun, kinuwestyon ko antimano kaagad 'yan. Tinawagan ko ang mga service operator. Pinapatanggal ko po' yan," he added.
In the hearing, several senators urged the DOTr to immediately address complaints over the Beep cards.
Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto said providing free Beep cards is just a "small blip" on the government’s spending radar.
"It is right thing to do and both private issuer and the government can easily afford it. They have cash to fund this cashless payment system," he said.
For Secretary Sonny Angara, Beep cards must also be used inside other public transport units besides buses and trains.
"I appreciate the efforts made for interoperability of the different modalities by the Department and they deserve the credit for that but hopefully we could further push the envelope for consumer convenience," he added.
Senator Nancy Binay, on the other hand, asked the DOTr about its plans for bus conductors who would potentially lose their jobs as Beep cards are more widely adopted.
Binay also urged the DOTR to find ways to reduce the minimum load of P60.
Senator Grace Poe, for her part, suggested that the DOTr find a way for Beep card users to reload online. (Jove Moya/SunStar Philippines)