LTFRB issues memorandum removing the cost of AFCS cards

The LTFRB has issued Memorandum Circular (MC) 2020-057 or the “Removal of Fees of AFCS Cards Charged to Commuters Apart from Fare Load”, ordering to remove the cost of the AFCS cards like Beep Cards.

The Memorandum Circular was issued on October 6, 2020, shortly after President Duterte’s directed to give out AFCS cards like Beep cards for free, although fare load should still be paid by the commuters.

Before the issued MC, Beep cards are offered at PHP 180. PHP 100 is for the load while the PHP 80 is for the card.

According to the MC, the LTFRB is ordering Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) operators and/or Automatic Fare Collection Systems (AFCS) to remove any charges or fees imposed for the purchase/use of their cards on top of the fare load.

Failure of the concerned operator and/or provider to comply with the issuance shall cause for the immediate suspension of the automatic fare collection system, aside from the penalties to be imposed pursuant to existing issuances of the Board against the operators concerned.

“Noong napakinggan ko ho ‘yung panukala ng ating Pangulo, lumakas ang loob ko, at ako ay na-inspire, kasi ho, iisa ang lagi kong sinasabi, iisa ‘yung aking bukambibig— Dapat ‘yang beep card na ‘yan ay libre. Kaya nga ba’t noong sinabi ng ating pangulo na ipamigay ng libre, ako ho ay strengthened and emboldened to make sure that the pronouncement which I have made, and the mandate of the President, will be given life and will be given reality. Gagawin po nating libre ‘yung beep card,” said DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade.