LRTA to issue single ticket for Yellow, Purple lines
July 28, 2006
Phase 1 of the ITI pertains to the interchangeability of tickets between the Yellow and the Purple Line systems in preparation for Phase 2, which is the full integration of the two line systems, leading towards the Unified Ticketing System (UTS) of the DOTC, which employs Contactless SmartCard Technology.
LRTA Administrator Melquiades Robles said under the Phase 1 of the ITI, passengers from both line systems will no longer need to fall in line every time they transfer from one line system to the other, providing easy access, particularly to frequent users of both lines.
“We always try to find ways to give convenience to our riding public. We have already constructed interconnection facilities through footbridges that are now linking the existing light rail systems that have sped up the transfer of passengers, and now we have the ITI. This only shows that indeed the LRTA is looking after the welfare of our passengers,” Robles stressed.
The SV tickets, which are priced at P100.00, may be used up to 3 days for frequent commuters for both lines and users will have the benefit of enjoying the last ride bonus.
Robles also said that users who may experience problems with the SV tickets used in the ITI, such as unreadable tickets, may seek the assistance of station tellers on duty, adding that applicable procedures are in place to address problems regarding tickets.
Meanwhile, the LRTA has also revived and modified the tickets used during President Joseph Estrada’s incumbency to bolster the supply of SV tickets, which is expected to surge after the implementation of the ITI.
“The revival of the so-called Erap tickets will address the problem of the lack of supply of SV tickets and will ease the existing clamor for more tickets,” Robles said.
Of the estimated 350, 000 passengers per day for the Yellow Line and 150, 000 for the Purple Line, 22% for the Yellow line and 30-35% for the Purple Line, respectively, are SV ticket users.
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