Manila: The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is offering free rides to passengers who have experienced difficulties with the new cashless payment system at the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3).

According to Philippines News Agency, passengers who encounter tap-out issues will receive free non-expiring single journey tickets valued at the maximum MRT-3 fare. These tickets can be used for future rides. This move is in response to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to quickly address concerns raised by MRT-3 passengers using the new payment system.

The DOTr noted that the tap-out issue involves system errors that occurred during the pilot run of the cashless payment system. The department has been monitoring complaints from MRT-3 riders, particularly instances where passengers were charged the maximum fare of PHP28 due to system errors at exit turnstiles.

To obtain the free single journey ticket, affected passengers can visit any MRT-3 ticket booth and provide proof of the failed tap-out transaction. Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon expressed gratitude to MRT-3 passengers for their support of the new system and requested patience as they work through issues encountered during the pilot phase.

On July 25, the DOTr and MRT-3 introduced new cashless payment turnstiles, which accept GCash QR code payments, NFC-enabled Android phones, and Mastercard and Visa debit and credit tap cards. Dizon assured that more cashless turnstiles and continuous system upgrades are planned to prevent further errors.