Ref.: Anna Ferrer / Mariecar Jara-Puyod
6473452 / 6473491 local 29846
The Department of Transportation and Communications has announced the implementation of the Flash Pass ticketing system at the three mass railways in Metro Manila starting April 15, 2004.
DOTC Undersecretary for Rail Transport Jose L. Cortes, Jr. said the Flash Pass is an alternative means of providing passengers of LRT-1 (Yellow Line), LRT-2 (Purple Line) and MRT-3 (Blue Line) with a single ticket as the Unified Ticketing System-Smart card is under the bidding process.
"The Flash Pass is independent from the magnetic system that is currently used in LRT and MRT. It is more economical and convenient for passengers using the three mass transit system," Cortes said.
In use now at LRT and MRT are their respective single journey tickets (SJTs) and stored value tickets (SVTs).
The SJTs are good for one ride and valid on the day of purchase. The SVTs are priced between P100 and P200 from which users have the benefit of enjoying the last ride bonus.
Cortes said the Flash Pass card, at P250, can be bought from Friday to Sunday prior to, or during Monday of the applicable week at selected LRT and MRT stations. It is valid for one week upon date of purchase.
The project is under the Strong Republic Transit System (SRTS) of President Arroyo aimed at providing a reliable, seamless and integrated mass transit system at par with international standards.
Included in the SRTS is the integration of the existing and future mass rails using the Contactless Smarcard Technology to facilitate the transfer of passengers between existing lines making it more convenient to travel using the railway systems.
n n n