Manila:The EDSA Busway is set to transition to a fully cashless fare system by December, as announced by Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez during an inspection of the rehabilitated Monumento EDSA Busway Station on Wednesday.
According to Philippines News agency, Lopez has instructed the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to mandate bus operators and consortiums to implement an automated fare collection system (AFCS) before the end of the year. This move aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to provide hassle-free payment options.
The cashless payment options under consideration include stored value cards, similar to those used on rail lines, and electronic wallets. Lopez emphasized that the system must be interoperable and integrated with other payment platforms like GCash, with kiosks available at stations for loading. He assured that this transition will not lead to a fare increase or additional convenience fees for passengers.
In addition to the cashless system, Lopez imposed a strict six-month deadline for bus operators to comply with the EDSA Busway Left-Side Door Policy. Currently, only 181 out of over 500 buses operating on the EDSA Busway have left-side doors, which are essential for passenger safety. Operators failing to meet this deadline may face fines, suspension, or exclusion from the EDSA Busway.
The inspection also marked the opening of the newly rehabilitated Monumento Busway Station, now the longest among the 24 stations on the EDSA Busway. The station features enhanced lighting, improved waiting sheds, railings, tactile paving, wayfinding signs, and new LED information displays and fare matrices. Lopez expressed gratitude to the Department of Budget and Management for the PHP88-million budget allocated for maintenance and upgrades across various stations.
Looking ahead, the Department of Transportation anticipates completing three new Busway stations by next year, including facilities at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange, Cubao, and Magallanes locations. The rehabilitation of the Guadalupe station is expected to conclude next month.
