DOTr offers free rides to MRT-3 passengers with issues in cashless pilot run

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) will provide free rides to passengers who will encounter issues in tapping out during the pilot run of cashless payments. 

“Starting Monday, August 4, the DOTr and MRT-3 will provide free single journey tickets (SJT) to passengers who are unable to tap out at MRT-3 stations due to system errors during the pilot run of cashless payments in the train line,” the Transportation Department said in a statement. 

According to the DOTr, some MRT-3 riders complained that they were charged the maximum fare of P28 due to system issues when tapping out at exit turnstiles.

“As a solution, affected passengers will be given a non-expiring SJT equivalent to the maximum MRT fare, which they can use for their next ride,” the DOTr said.

Affected passengers may proceed to any ticket booth and present proof of the failed tap-out transaction to claim the free SJT. 

“Humihingi lang din tayo ng konting pang-unawa sa ilang mga problema ngayong pilot run, pero rest assured na within this August, dadami pa ang cashless turnstiles natin at tuloy-tuloy ang system upgrades para iwas-aberya,” Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said.

(We are just asking for a little understanding regarding some of the problems during this pilot run, but rest assured that within this August, we will have more cashless turnstiles and system upgrades will continue to prevent malfunctions.)

On July 25, the DOTr rolled out the pilot run for the cashless transaction in MRT-3. 

Passengers can simply tap their cards, GCash Commuter QR code, or Near Field Communication (NFC)-enabled Android smartphones in the new turnstiles. —Joviland Rita/KG, GMA Integrated News