Newsletter: beep™ powers QR payment in LRT1, enhancing commuting experience

[THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE]

AF Payments, Inc.,  the operator of the beep card, is pleased to announce the successful launch of Maya’s and Light Rail Manila Corporation’s (LRMC) QR payment system in LRT1. This new and convenient payment option—which is enabled by beep’s technology—was warmly received by the train commuters, who can now effortlessly purchase QR codes through their smart phones.

“The overwhelming adoption of QR since the service’s launch demonstrates commuters’ willingness to embrace more diverse payment options that facilitate faster and more convenient commute. Alongside the tap-in and tap-out functionality of beep cards, QR offers an excellent alternative to Single Journey Ticket users, allowing them to skip the lines and enjoy faster travel times. The core mission of AF Payments, Inc. is to provide commuters with convenient, fast, and secure payment solutions, transforming daily commuting into a more efficient, productive, and pleasant experience for everyone,” says JJ Moreno, the President & CEO of AF Payments, Inc.

Making payments via QR is made incredibly simple through following these steps:

1. Open your Maya app and navigate to the Services section.

2. Select the LRT-1 tile under the Lifestyle category. 

3. Choose your desired route (Northbound or Southbound) and set both the origin and destination. 

4. Click on Pay Now. Your QR ticket will be instantly generated.

5. Scan your QR ticket using the turnstile QR scanners at LRT1 stations.

LRT1 QR tickets, which will be valid for 24 hours, may be conveniently purchased through the Maya and LRMC’s ikotMNL apps, and eventually through the beep app. 

The LRT1 trains cater to passengers from Monumento to Baclaran. “Fast lane” turnstiles with QR readers are located in all LRT1 stops, including Balintawak and Roosevelt stations along EDSA.

“AF Payments remains committed to providing innovative enabling technologies to projects that enhance the commuting experience of Filipinos. We strongly believe that Filipino commuters deserve nothing less than the best and latest micropayment solutions that cater to their evolving needs,” Mr. Moreno added. 

The recently launched QR ticketing set up at LRT1 was based primarily on the QR Code Application for Transport (QCAT) format, an open-source set of specifications and documents published by AFPI that defines a QR code-based ticketing system applied to different modes of transportation. QCAT defines the structure and format of the QR Code payload of a ticket. The QR ticket is generated and issued through a mobile-based application, and is then scanned and validated as trip fare media or ticket. A backend repository captures these QR ticket transactions and are processed, cleared, and settled based on agreed business rules between the QR ticket issuer, acceptor, and transport operator.

Prior to its introduction in the rail sector, QCAT was successfully applied in both bus transport (with the BGC Bus network in Taguig) and inter-island ferry terminals (with Topline Express Ferry in Cebu). These two transport use cases replaced the manually validated paper ticketing process to ensure quicker validation and a hassle-free commuting experience.

With QR ticketing based on the QCAT format, passengers are given another cashless option for a fast, seamless, hassle-free, and convenient commuting experience.

Transport operators, schools, and other businesses that wish to partner with AF Payments may get in touch via sales@afpayments.com. Stay updated on the latest news and promotions by following the official beep™ social media accounts: Facebook at <fb.com/beepcardph>, Twitter at <twitter.com/beep_card>, and Instagram at <instagram.com/beep_card>. For more information, visit the website at <https://beep.com.ph/>.

[END OF PRESS RELEASE]