Beep card operator denies accusations of profiteering as shortage slows commute

MRT-3 commuters at North Ave. station observe the reduced physical distancing protocol by the Department of Transportation on Sept. 14, 2020.

The STAR / Michael Varcas

MANILA, Philippines — Beep card operator AF Payments Inc. defended itself from accusations of profiteering amid the shortage of Beep cards in stations of the Metro Rail Transit-Line 3 as stressed that it has been subsidizing the cost of cards for years.

The stored-value cards for public transportation have reportedly been out of stock in some train stations along the MRT-3 line. Cards, however, are being sold for a steeper P188 through AF Payments' official online stores in online shopping platforms Lazada and Shopee. If bought from a rail station, the card's price is P100 with a P70 load balance. 

In a statement issued through the Department of Transportation's communications team, the company said that its allocation of cards for online sales was less than 1% while only .08% went to online card sales. Meanwhile, more than 95% of cards went to rail stations and are subsidized by AFPI and the national government. 

Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/12/06/2228970/beep-card-operator-denies-accusations-profiteering-shortage-slows-commute