LRT 1 to sell ‘beep’ cards starting Sunday

MANILA, Philippines - Following the successful launch of the automatic fare collection system (AFCS) of the Light Rail Transit Line 2 last month, the LRT Line 1 will begin its trial of the new ticketing scheme on Sunday.

In a statement yesterday, AF Payments, Inc. (AFPI) and LRT Authority (LRTA) said the public trial of the new payment system, which features tap-and-go or “beep” cards would start with southbound trips of the LRT 1.

The sale of pre-loaded beep cards started at seven LRT 1 stations on Aug. 10. Commuters bought nearly 15,000 beep cards from Aug. 10 to 11, AFPI said.

As the LRT 1 is moving to the new ticketing system, the LRTA stopped selling the old magnetic cards last week.

Holders of magnetic stored value cards may get a cash refund for the remaining value in their cards until Saturday. By Sunday, any unused credit in the magnetic cards may be transferred to the new beep card at the LRT 1 Central station teller’s booth, the LRTA said.