Globe bares G-Pass ticketing for MRT

Ayala-owned Globe Telecom has introduced a quick way of paying for mass rail transit (MRT) trips using an experimental ticketing service dubbed G-Pass.

The alternative electronic chip system currently on trial at all 13 MRT stations – from North Ave. in Quezon City up to Taft Ave. in Manila – was developed by Globe together with Hypercash Payment Systems, Inc. in an attempt to make riding the MRT easier for the public.

Under the agreement, Globe will provide the G-Pass chips and mobile interface while Hypercash will put up the reloading booths and card reader terminals as well as handle all negotiations with MRT management.

Instead of carrying cash or falling in line to buy MRT tokens, G-Pass users only need to tap the pre-loaded chip on the G-Pass reader located on the turnstile to enter and exit the station. The fare, which includes a minimal service fee of only two percent per ride, will be debited from the chip upon exit.

"In a market that is maturing as what we have today, it is important that we try our best to find a value proposition that fits into consideration the needs of the different segments of our very wide range of customers. That’s why we came up with G-Pass. We strongly believe that G-Pass is an innovation that will be highly appreciated by our subscribers who frequently ride the MRT because of the convenience that it will give them," according to Rizza Maniego-Eala, head of Globe M-commerce business development.

The G-Pass chip has an initial load of P50 and is available for only P100 at all MRT booths as well as at 11 Globe business centers in SM North, Metropoint, Gateway, Glorietta, SM Makati, Shangri-La, Robinsons Galleria, SM Megamall, Robinsons Pioneer, Alimall, and Quezon Avenue. Charges are at regular MRT fares plus two-percent transaction fee.

The load credit has no expiration period although the chip itself will expire three years from first use. Incidentally, G-Pass daily balance cannot exceed more than P2,000 at any time.

Moreover, if the G-PASS balance is less than P16, the holder will not be allowed to enter the station. On the other hand, if the user is able to enter the station but the G-PASS load is not enough to cover the fare and transaction fee such as in the case of a round trip, any unpaid balance will be deducted on the next reload.