ALL-NEW chips for stored-value cards used in various modes of public transportation will be in use by the third quarter of next year, an official of the Department of Transportation (DoTr) revealed.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of Tuesday’s railway conference, Transportation Assistant Secretary Jorjette B. Aquino said old chips used for stored-value or “beep” cards used in rail lines, buses, and modern public utility vehicles will eventually use new chips in line with the development of technology.
“The AFCS (automatic fare collection system) team is preparing for that,” she said, adding that there is a need to shift as the manufacturer of the chips upgraded its production line.
Meanwhile, Ms. Aquino said that while there should be enough stored value cards in circulation for railway commuters, there is an artificial shortage. “We do have supply, but what is happening is instead of one card per passenger, some buy five or six cards,” she said. — Ashley Erika O. Jose
