The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Thursday, Sept. 1, began the pilot testing of the Automated Fare Collection System (AFCS) in a bid to modernize the public transportation system in the country.
Under the new system with LandBank of the Philippines, commuters can use their prepaid and debit and credit card with Europay-Mastercard Visa (EMV) or contactless enabled card for an automatic cashless payment.
“The institutionalization of the AFCS will bring us closer to the goal of achieving global standards in cashless payments when commuting, following the norm in many other countries that have long been using this system,” DOTr Sec. Jaime Bautista said.
He added that commuters have already embraced technology in the public transportation system “because they have seen the significance of technological advancements to ease their commute.”
Meanwhile, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairperson Atty. Cheloy Garafil said DOTr’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization (PUVMP) is focused on interconnectivity and convenience for commuters by centralizing payment in modern PUVs.
“As part of the PUVMP, they have seen it aims to centralize payment not only in modern PUJ but often other modes of public transportation, establishing interconnectivity for the convenience of the commuters,” she said.
The program will also be launched in the National Capital Region, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and Central Visayas with 150 PUVs participating. –Katrina Gracia Consebido-ag
