Beep card system expands reach to cover P2P bus service

The operator of the Beep card system, used in Metro Manila’s three elevated railway lines, expanded the service to a point-to-point (P2P) bus service linking Metro Manila to Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

In a statement Wednesday, AF Payments Inc. said commuters, starting Wednesday, could use their Beep card to pay for rides in TAS Trans’ point-to-point (P2P) buses plying Nuvali in Sta. Rosa, Laguna to Promenade Glorietta 2 and Circuit Makati in Makati City.

“P2P buses offer a convenient alternative to ease commuting worries these days. The service is continuously expanding and with Beep™ card acceptance, commuters can transfer seamlessly from one line to another as necessary,” said Peter Maher, president and CEO of AF Payments Inc.

The P2P bus service system was created by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to help reduce traffic congestion since these buses travel nonstop from the terminal to the drop-off point.

It started with three routes in 2015. It has since expanded to more destinations from as far as Fairview in the north to Dasmariñas, Cavite in the south.

“With P2P buses, commuters enjoy the convenience of guaranteed seats, premium amenities and buses that depart as scheduled,” the statement showed.

The Beep card is a tap-and-go card payment system accepted in all three elevated railways (LRT 1, LRT 2, and MRT 3), Cavite Expressway, North Luzon Expressway, and at select bus lines, FamilyMart and Robinsons Movieworld branches.

AF Payments is owned by Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Metro Pacific Investments Corp. and Ayala Corp.

The consortium was allowed to distribute and operate the Beep card system after winning the automated fare collection system public private partnership project in 2013. About three million Beep cards have been distributed thus far, the company had said. —MIGUEL R. CAMUS