In a recent meeting at the Department of Transportation (DOTr), various stakeholders of the automated fare collection system discussed the status of the proof-of-concept operation at the MRT and the possible launch in other rail lines.
As previously discussed, the Philippine Automated Fare Collection System (PAFCS) Project is the DOTr’s ambitious project to promote a universal cashless fare collection system. Today, the MRT has dedicated turnstiles using the automated fare collection validator that allows passengers to use QR codes, credit cards, debit cards along with beep cards and single-journey tickets in a universal and inclusive ticketing system.
Eventually, the project would promote financial inclusion and efficiency in the transport system. The project also seeks to promote access to formal financial systems like banking, savings, and credit services to the unbanked. Going cashless would also prevent problems attributed to handling cash, such as errors and safety.
In the transport industry, it is hoped that as more people switch to a so-called cashless transportation, we could avoid long lines and inconvenience at the station. Strangely enough, as the numbers were analyzed, it appears more people still use cash and single-journey ticket despite the obvious advantage of using payment platforms or debit card-based systems.
So why do people still resist a cashless-based system? A veteran transport official explained this seemingly strange phenomenon by asking the question, Why do cats like fish bones? (“tinik“ in Filipino). The answer is that cats do not like fish bones, but they like fish. Cats accept fish bones because it is what is available. In life, we often mistake the motivation of others because we cannot identify with the people concerned.
Apparently, people resist a cashless system because they have little or no cash to spare for the automated systems. With a small amount of money, they can only afford single-journey tickets because that is what their budget allows them. Same as the “tingi-tingi” mentality. People buy smaller packets of products when sometimes it is actually cheaper to buy in bulk because it is what their budget allows.
As such, people seem to resist a cashless system because they literally live in a “cashless” system with very little cash. Generally, people have no choice but to suffer long lines and the inconvenience because most literally cannot afford to be financially included and banked.
The fact that many officials and employees only grasped this truism when it was pointed out illustrated to me a sad fact in many centers of policymaking. There is a need to make those in charge of policy aware of the true state of existence of the general populace. Only with this learned empathy and understanding will we be able to plan and implement projects designed for the general public.
