DOTr Offers Free Tickets for Metro Rail Transit Errors
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced on Monday that passengers who face tap-out errors during the pilot of cashless payments on the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) will receive free tickets. This initiative aims to address issues encountered by riders amid the new payment system.
The DOTr emphasized that the free tickets serve as immediate relief for those affected by errors during transactions on the MRT-3’s cashless payment pilot. These problems caused some riders to be charged the maximum fare of ₱28 despite unsuccessful tap-outs.
Providing Solutions for Cashless Payment Errors
“The DOTr has been closely monitoring concerns raised by MRT-3 riders, particularly cases where passengers were charged the maximum fare of P28 due to system issues when tapping out at exit turnstiles,” said a statement from transportation officials. To remedy this, affected passengers will receive non-expiring Single Journey Tickets (SJT) equal to the highest MRT fare for their next rides.
Passengers can claim their free SJTs at any MRT-3 ticket booth by presenting proof of their failed tap-out transactions. This process ensures that commuters are not disadvantaged due to system glitches during the transition to cashless payments.
Transport Secretary Appeals for Patience
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon expressed gratitude to MRT-3 commuters for their understanding and support during the pilot phase. “We’re just asking for a bit of understanding regarding some issues during this pilot run, but rest assured that within this August, more cashless turnstiles will be added and system upgrades will continue to avoid disruptions,” he said in Filipino.
The DOTr launched these cashless payment options on July 25, enabling passengers to pay fares via GCash or debit and credit cards. This marks a significant step towards modernizing the MRT-3 system and improving commuter experience.
For more news and updates on Metro Rail Transit, visit Filipinokami.com.
