In line with the relentless thrust towards the nationwide interoperable fare collection system, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista announced the launching, through its Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program National Program Management Office (PUVMP-NPMO) and Automated Fare Collection System Program Office (AFCS PO), of the AFCS EMV-compliant Contactless Pilot Production Testing (AFCS EMV PPT) in Region III on 30 January 2023.
In the launch, 16 modern Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) units from Carmexxs Jeepney Transport Service Cooperative were installed with EMV-enabled AFCS devices to allow cashless payments.
The Central Luzon route, which will run through Arayat-San Fernando via Sta. Ana, Mexico, signals the third pilot launch of the target 11 pilot launches in line with the ongoing finalization of the AFCS National Standards (NS)—an interoperability project between the government and private sectors for the continuous development towards digitization of the country’s public transportation.
During the event, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Region III Regional Director Nasrudin Talipasan conveyed gratitude to DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista and Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Mark Steven Pastor, for pushing for the modernization program that would revolutionize the road-based transport system of the country.
“If there is something that the pandemic has taught us in the transportation sector, it is resiliency and agility to cope with the demands of time. In this era of a highly competitive world, we need to speed up and adapt to digitalization, automation, and modernization. We don’t only speak about information and information technology, but live with the internet of things where every human endeavor can be done as easy as tapping this LBP EMV to pay, to travel, and to live,” RD Talipasan said.
Meanwhile, Carmexxs Jeepney Transport Service Cooperative Chairman Raul Dalaquit lauded the modernization initiative, as he emphasized that the program will ensure faster, safer, and more convenient public transportation for the Filipinos.
“Napakaganda po nito at sana lahat ng unit namin dito ay mapagbigyan na malagyan na lahat, dahil mas convenient ito para sa aming magiging pasahero,” Chairman Dalaquit said.
DOTr Usec Joni Segismundo said the launch was spearheaded by Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Region III Regional Director Nasrudin Talipasan and Land Bank of the Philippines Assistant Vice President Roel Samia, and was witnessed by Municipal Engineering Office Engr. Marlon and Chairman Dalaquit.
Representatives from the DOTr were Randolph Clet from the AFCS-PO, Zion Yuson and Christian Flores from the PUVMP-NPMO, and Carl Buzon from DOTr-Planning and Project Development Office, Segismundo said. (JERRY S. TAN)
