The Urban Roamer was surprised to receive an email today from AF Payments Inc., the folks behind the beep cards we now use in our mass rail transit systems in Metro Manila. But it was more pleasantly surprising to read the contents of the email, a welcome development to those commuting to and from the Bonifacio Global City area. It is the news many have been waiting to happen for quite a while now.
That’s right! Your beep card can now be used to ride the BGC bus in and out of Bonifacio Global City!
What this means is that you won’t have to queue or go through the hassle of finding the place to buy BGC bus tickets, especially if you do not really frequent the BGC area. Just use the beep card that you have to tap and ride the bus. It’s that simple and convenient!
And since many of those living and working in Metro Manila already have beep cards, it is added convenience as well. Having one card that takes care of your public transport needs. (which hopefully can be expanded to do more like paying for goods at convenient stores like Hong Kong’s octopus card)
At the moment, the implementation is on a limited public trial. And if all goes well, (and there’s no reason to be not optimistic about it) we could expect a full implementation of the beep card for the BGC bus eventually.
Anyway, following below is the full press release courtesy of our friends at AF Payments Inc. Special thanks to Erwin Dela Cruz, Senior Media Affairs Officer of CID Communication for the communication and support for the Urban Roamer.
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BGC Bus Now Accepts beep™ cards
BGC Bus and AF Payments Inc. have announced that BGC Buses are now using the beep™ card system on limited public trial. Commuters who have a beep™ card may already use them to pay for their BGC Bus rides. Fare remains at P12 per ride.
“We are pleased to partner with BGC Bus as this will move us closer to our goal of making the beep™ card an all-in-one card for commuters in Metro Manila. BGC Buses serve thousands of commuters daily and our goal is to be able to provide them with a reliable and efficient payment system, especially those who hop from the MRT or the LRT to the bus,” said Peter Maher, CEO and President of AF Payments Inc.
“BGC Bus commuters can conveniently purchase and load their beep™ cards in the Ayala and Market Market Terminal. This is in addition to selected Bayad Center, Tambunting, Villarica and SM Bills Payment Counter locations, which also offer re-loading services for beep™ cards. There are also plans to add more loading locations in the coming months, including leading convenience stores,” added Maher.
“We are excited to announce this integration because this gives our BGCitizen commuters more convenience in their daily commute,” said Mr. Jun Galvez, GM of Bonifacio Transport Corporation.
The BGC Bus line connects BGC to EDSA and Ayala Center. It has a Euro-5 compliant fleet and operates 24/7 to serve thousands of commuters, mostly employees who work in BGC and Makati. BGC Bus also takes pride in its information systems, whereby waiting time for the next bus can be accessed using the BGC app, and are also shown in most bus stops within BGC.
BGC is a financial and lifestyle district in Taguig City. It is home to contemporary office blocks, storied high streets, and parks. It has grown into an urban oasis of unique selections for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
The beep™ card replaced the old Tap BGC stored value card. It can be purchased and reloaded at the BGC Bus Ayala and Market Market terminals as well as all LRT and MRT stations. It is reloadable and is valid for four years. More information about beep™ is available at and on Facebook (beep card) and Twitter (@beep_card).
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About AF Payments Inc.
AF Payments Inc. is a consortium of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) and Ayala Corp. that provides contactless payment solutions in the Philippines through its integrated product and service offerings, thereby enhancing the transaction experience of every Filipino.
Its tap and go payment system, or the beep™ card, is available for use in all three elevated railways (LRT-1, LRT-2, and MRT-3).
Website and Social Media
