Baguio City to Introduce Use of Tap Cards for Fare Collection in PUVs

The City Government of Baguio, through the Public Information Office, announced that it will be launching a cashless fare collection system on July 13, 2020.

Cashless Fare Collection System in Baguio City

SquidPay Account Executive Office Elmar Panganiban confirmed that they previously conducted seminars with different Public Utility Jeepney (PUJ), taxi, and UV Express associations in preparation for introducing the new fare collection system to the city.

To formalize the terms of the said program, a Memorandum of Agreement will be signed by Mayor Benjamin Magalong and SquidPay Technology Inc. Chief Operating Officer/President Enrico Tamayo.

Furthermore, due to the alarming increase of transport workers infected by COVID-19, Mayor Magalong said that the city is making the right move to pursue cashless payment systems for transportation.

How the Cashless Fare Collection System Will Work

According to the update published by PIO-Baguio, the new fare collection system will make use of tap cards.

Tap Card Fare Payment Method

Here are the basic information about the tap cards based on PIO-Baguio’s update:

• Costs Php 100.00 each.
• Will have Php 45.00 as initial load and Php 55.00 as deposit or remaining balance which is refundable once card is surrender by client

In addition, Executive Asst. V Philip Puzon said that the fare collection system is free of charge and does not impose fees for its transactions.

However, a refundable deposit for the device to be used by PUVs will be charged.

Where To Avail the Tap Cards

The company is planning to set up business centers or booths in strategic places in Baguio City, including terminals and barangays where tap cards will be sold or loaded.

Relative to this plan, one booth has already been set up at the City Hall last July 7, 2020.

SquidPay, according to PIO-Baguio, will continue to conduct walk-through sessions to help other sectors and end users familiarize themselves with the new system.

SOURCE: PIO-Baguio