'beep' Launches Premier QR Ticketing for Transport in PH

AF Payments Inc., the company that modernized payment and ticketing in transportation through its 'beep' card, has revealed the first QR code transport ticketing system in the Philippines.

First to utilize such mode of payment are the Metro Manila-based BGC Bus and Cebu-based Topline Express Ferries.

The said transport vehicles will now be shifting to using QR code technology for payment and passenger ticketing.

"This is a new era in transport ticketing. It's a smart solution where both operators and commuters enjoy the efficiency and ease of use associated with QR technology. We are grateful to our partners for supporting the initiative and hope to replicate the same elsewhere in the Philippines," said Joey Lim, chairman of the Board of AF Payments Inc.

Meanwhile, Rene Almendras, president of AF Payments Inc. has expressed pride over the technology offered.

"We are proud to say that our technology is developed in the Philippines, by Filipinos, for Filipinos. To accelerate the growth of QR ticketing and payments in the country, we are opening our QR ticketing ecosystem to other market players. We invite transport operators, payments companies, and developers to work with us in widening the reach of QR ticketing. For more information on how you can participate in this initiative, visit our beep business website at business.beeptopay.com," said

Those who are interested in the program--maybe participate for further development may do so at https://github.com/afpayments/QCAT_QR_TICKETING_STANDARD.

How it Works

In addition to using 'beep' card and 'beep'-powered Topline Express Ferries cards, commuters now have the option to buy QR code-based tickets that the commuter will scan before boarding the bus or ferry. The new system will replace manually-validated paper ticketing to ensure quicker validation and a hassle-free commuter experience.

However, Reggie Reyes, head of Technology and Operations at AF Payments, Inc. said that since they are now moving into cashless transactions, they are now studying the part of using the QR code on mobile phones for a paperless approach.

"This innovation is just the first step. We are looking into that possibility and we are already in talks about how we could make this," Reyes told CARMUDI Philippines.

Also, AF Payments is bringing in the convenience of mobile payments. In partnership  with GCash, passengers of BGC Bus & Topline Express Ferries can now pay their fare using the GCash mobile app.

To Pay using GCash: At the ticket counter, open the GCash app on your smartphone. Choose Pay QR, generate your own QR code, and scan the QR code on the beep QR Reader.  Your QR ticket will automatically print and the fare will be deducted from your GCash account.

"We are committed to improve the payment experience of BGC bus riders. Our partnership with AF Payments Inc and BGC Bus allows us to use our QR code to facilitate a convenient way of paying. GCash users can now pay for their BGC bus rides using the GCash App. We plan to replicate this model with other transport service providers. As we continue to find ways to enable a cashless ecosystem, we will always challenge ourselves to explore more ways to leverage on our technology to improve the experience of our customers. Because with GCash, what can't you do," said Anthony Thomas, chief executive officer of Mynt.

With 6.5 million 'beep' cards in the market and over 20 million GCash accountholders nationwide, this initiative is expected to benefit a sizable portion of e-wallet customers in the Philippines. Passengers can now enjoy more options to pay and get tickets for their daily commute.

"The goal of BGC Bus is to make it easy and convenient for visitors, residents, and workers in Bonifacio Global City to get around and navigate the area. We operate a systematic, efficient, and affordable transportation system for the city and are constantly looking for ways to improve our service.  We believe that QR ticketing and payments will improve not only the speed of boarding but also offer our riders more options for payment.  We are happy to be the first bus company in Metro Manila to have this new system," said Jun Galvez, general manager of Bonifacio Transport Corporation.

"We are very excited to be the pioneer marine transportation partner in Cebu. Topline believes in enhancing the commute experience. Passenger safety and convenience are a priority to us, so this is a much needed development that will greatly benefit the riding public," said Eugene Erik Lim, president/CEO of Topline Express Ferries.

AF Payments Inc. is planning to roll out QR ticketing to other partner buses in Metro Manila in the coming months. QR tickets are easy to use and reduce implementation and integration cost for public transport operators. The rich data conveyed through QR code tickets helps operators to accurately and timely record transactions. With its speed and ease of use, commuters also stand to benefit from this technology.

An MPIC-Ayala Corp. consortium, AF Payments Inc. provides contactless payment solutions in the Philippines with integrated product and service offerings that aim to enhance the transaction experience of every Filipino. It created the 'beep' card, the tap-and-go payment card used in all three elevated railways (LRT1, LRT2, and MRT3) and select PUVs and modern jeepneys, tollways, and retail partners. More information about 'beep' is available at its website www.beeptopay.com and official social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Merchants and transport operators interested to implement QR code ticketing may get in touch with AF Payments Inc. via the website business.beeptopay.com.