By Brian Campued
The wait is finally over as the white Beep cards for students are finally launched on Saturday, with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. personally checking on the implementation of the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) latest initiative.
At the Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) Legarda Station in Manila, the President hailed the launching of the discounted Beep card, highlighting its 50% fare discount for students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) riding the LRT-1, LRT-2, and the Metro Rail Transit (MRT)-Line 3.
“Napakalaking tulong ‘yan dahil alam naman natin students are on a very, very tight budget. That’s why we are very happy to be able to launch this new system to give the Beep card to our students,” Marcos said.
Notably, the processing of the white Beep cards was also expedited by the DOTr—which students, senior citizens, and PWDs can now get on-the-spot at all stations of LRT-1, LRT-2, and MRT-3.
“Dati ang Beep card, bago mo makuha ‘yung Beep card, seven to 10 days ang processing. Ngayon, three minutes na lang,” Marcos said.
“Pagpapatuloy ito ng pag-modernize natin sa ating sistema para naman ang lahat ng sumasakay sa pampublikong transportasyon ay mapagaan naman ang kanilang pagsakay sa kanilang pupuntahan,” he added.
To avail of the white Beep cards, students, seniors, and PWDs only need to present their valid school ID or enrollment certificate, senior citizen ID, and PWD ID, respectively.
The Concessionary Card Processor will then encode the applicant’s basic information and take a photo of the applicant and their ID.
A one-time P30 payment is required to avail of the white Beep cards, while loading can be made at station tellers, ticket vending machines, the Beep mobile application, and other digital means.
Starting Sept. 21, the on-the-spot printing of white Beep cards will be open from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on weekends and from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during weekdays.
DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez said they are also eyeing to conduct school caravans to spread awareness about the initiative and are also planning to create an online portal to simplify application.
“Kaya nating umabot ng 400,000 students kada araw ang makinabang, hindi pa natin binibilang ang mga PWD at senior citizens,” Lopez said.
The President directed the implementation of a 50% discount for students taking Metro trains last June 19.
A month later on July 16, the discount was expanded to accommodate senior citizens and PWDs. (with report from Harley Valbuena / PTV News)
-jpv
