DOTr planning a PHP 4.5 Billion automated fare collection system for public transportation vehicles
One of the issues immediately being faced by the new administration is how to improve our struggling mass transportation system. Social media is littered with photos of commuters lined up for hours just to be able to catch a ride, which in turn has forced our government to take that matter more seriously.
DOTr automated fare collection system
According to a report by the Philippine Star, The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is looking to implement a new-automated fare collection system (AFCS). The report went on further to state that this new automated fare collection system is part of a PHP 4.5 Billion project, that aims to allow commuters/passengers to use their debit and credit cards to pay their fares.
The DOTr says that the targeted roll-out of this service is around 1.5-2 years. To help with the implementation the project feasibility study will be submitted to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) for review.
DOTr Undersecretary Cesar Chavez had this to say about the project “We have to finalize the feasibility study that will be submitted to NEDA, which is in the final stage. I think in the next three months, we can discuss it with NEDA already. In one-and-a-half to two years, you can use credit cards in public transportation without hassle.”
He went on further to say that the AFCS would host an umbrella of card issuers, including Mastercard and Visa, which enables holders to settle their fares using either credit or debit.
The program will cover not only buses and jeepneys but also rail lines and air services.
What do you guys think? will the AFCS further improve the system or should they focus on another aspect of public transport?
Agree, DyipPay is working on this platform as well not only interoperability but the most important part is the predictability side