DOTr offers free train rides for cashless tap out errors

If you experience cashless payment issues on the MRT-3, you can get a free ride.

According to the Department of Transportation, they are giving away free single journey tickets to passengers who encounter technical glitches with the MRT-3's new cashless payment system.

The new initiative, which began on Monday, Aug. 4, addresses an issue where some riders were incorrectly charged the maximum fare of P28 after a failed tap-out.

To claim the free SJT, passengers are asked to go to any MRT-3 ticket booth and present proof of the failed transaction. The ticket can be used for their next ride.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon has since appealed for understanding regarding the pilot run.

“Nagpapasalamat tayo sa overwhelming na suporta ng mga pasahero sa cashless payments natin sa MRT. Humihingi lang din tayo ng konting pang-unawa sa ilang mga problema ngayong pilot run, pero rest assured na within this August, dadami pa ang cashless turnstiles natin at tuloy-tuloy ang system upgrades para iwas-aberya,” Dizon said.

Last July 25, the DOTr launched cashless payments on the MRT-3, where commuters can pay for their fares via debit, credit, prepaid cards, and online wallets like GCash.

This is a response to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to make public transport more convenient and efficient for Filipinos.