The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) will be giving free rides to passengers who encounter issues tapping out during the ongoing pilot run of the train line’s cashless payment system.
“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 DOTr said in a statement.
The agency acknowledged complaints from riders who were charged the maximum fare of ₱28 after system errors prevented successful tap-outs 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 added.
To claim the free ticket, affected passengers may approach any ticket booth and present proof of the failed tap-out transaction.
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon asked for public patience, saying: “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.”
The pilot run for MRT-3’s cashless payment system began on July 25. Passengers can tap their stored-value cards, GCash Commuter QR codes, or NFC-enabled Android smartphones at the new turnstiles for faster and more convenient access.