G-Pass, the newest way to enter the MRT using a wireless Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip, made its debut last Friday.
What is G-Pass?
An alternative way to enter the MRT using a chip instead of a ticket. The G-Pass is stored value chip that is tapped on a sensor upon entry and exit from the MRT. The chip can be re-loaded with MRT fare credits using G-Cash or through a G-Pass reloading booth.
I tried out G-Pass during the weekend. My initial feedback is generally positive. There are (as always) areas of improvement.
- Purchase of the Php100 G-Pass kit comes with Php50 MRT fare credit (not cellphone load as others think).
- Quick entry to the MRT by tapping the chip on the sensor
- An audible sound and a green light indicates that the user can pass the MRT gate
- Downside: There’s no indicator of remaining fare balance at the MRT gate. The G-Pass representatives explained that the balance is sent to the user via SMS to the registered Globe phone.
- Smart cellphone users CAN use G-Pass. I see two choices:
(a) Smart cellphone users, do NOT register the G-Pass (I recommend this) or
(b) register the G-Pass with a friend’s Globe cellphone number. In this case, each time the G-Pass is used, your friend will receive an SMS showing the G-Pass transaction (i.e. that you entered/exited the MRT). — not good for your privacy 🙁
I’m optimistic about G-Pass. I think Globe has a winner here. But they’ll have to install the necessary support systems to make it succeed — fast and convenient reloading of G-Pass, accessibility of G-Cash etc. Ironically, the longer the lines at regular MRT ticket sales, the better for G-Pass sales.
How about you, will you buy a G-Pass chip? Will the technology fly?
ka edong
tech usiyosero
27 comments
So that was what those thingies in the MRT were. I would buy one, if I ever used the MRT more (I use the Purple Line more often, myself).
Looks like what other countries have, though they do use the card itself rather than the RFID in a similar fashion by passing it on top of the sensor.
yeah ill try this. i think its cool, dont like the design though.;)
That would probably be useful and promoted here in Ayala station, since this is Globeland. Even if I’m on Smart, it’s useful – if the crowds are cut down!
wow, this is cool. Progress… lol
i’d buy one… yeah exciting..
Just for info, currently the G-pass is only usable for trips to and from Cubao to Ayala. It would take a month or two to be able to use it for all the stations, according to one person i spoke to.
I tried out the G-pass at GMA-Kamuning south-bound. I was able to enter.
I bought my gpass last night.
Cool thing…
was able to use it..
It deducts a a small amount as Fee on top of the normal mrt fare.(like additional 50-75 cents) for me that’s ok rather than waiting in line.. most specially when you are in a hurry.. and the best thing about it.. , the has a validity of 3 years.. I’m not a frequent MRT passenger.. so this thing will work for me…
But for everyday MRT users, i suggest you go with the stored value ticket (which often runs out of stock) coz may free ride pa…
Sorry if this post is out of line. I don’t know where to post my problem.
I am just wondering how can i make a new post (not a comment) in PTB? I was able to get to Dashboard but when i clicked the “Write a Post” link, i got a message “You do not have sufficient permission to access this page.” Can anyone share me on how i can overcome this problem? Thanks.
i suggest you think twice about getting the gpass. i regret getting the thing. i thought it would be like the stored value cards in hongkong and singapore. reasons why i regret getting it:
1. the gpass guy at the guadalupe station did not explain the additional charges. i just found out about it when i read the brochure, which you get only when you purchase the gpass. there’s a 2% and a 5% charge on top of the mrt fare. plus, another charge when you top up your gpass. it’s not logical for me to pay more than what i am currently paying to take the train from station A to station B. why pay 11.25 when you can get a ride for just 10.50 and get a bonus ride in the end, even with just .50 in your stored value card? the difference may be minimal, but multiply that to the number of days/times you take the MRT and you could use the money for something more worthwhile.
2. i asked the promo guy if the thing worked like the current stored value card, i.e, there’s a bonus ride at the last value of the card. he said yes. but the brochure clearly states ‘No free ride policy’. your gpass has to have at least P16 load. that’s fraud in my book.
3. the card is supposed to work for 3 years. fine. but the load will still be forfeited if you don’t use it for 2 months. the stored value card works just the same way.
4. i used it today, and of course it didn’t work. i was able to get in, but i couldn’t get out of the stations. i was embarrassed because i held up quite a number of people at my exit point.
5. the design isn’t as functional as its supposed contemporaries. it’s too small, you could lose it, and it slips out of the holder that came with it (the snaps of the holder don’t work, either). the size doesn’t really make it easy to tap the thing. you’ll have to really hold it and place it on top of the turnstile mechanism, rather than tap it.
6. there’s always a long queue at my exits anyway, so there’s no value added in getting the gpass unless there’s a turnstile dedicated to gpass holders only.
the only benefits i could think of:
1. it lets you get out at x-marked turnstiles. assuming the gpass works. having x’ed turnstiles doesn’t happen often to me though.
2. you’ll never run out of stored value cards. this also, doesn’t happen too often, as i always buy 2 SV cards when the budget permits. the other one serves as a back-up. again, stations running out of SV cards doesn’t happen all the time.
3. it’s more sanitary. it’ll just be you and the gpass guy that will handle the gpass, compared to thousands who’ve handled the MRT cards. i’ve seen people use the cards to wipe off sweat from their foreheads…
hi! good day to all peep’s here! im a regular customer using the benefits of this mass transport service but i dont have a time to gather some info’s about this G-Pass becoz of my hectic sked well im very optimistic about the help for the peep’s like me who is alway’s use this service, i beleive in the power of technology of RF and im glad that our country have it thanks for Globe. but i have other concern for this pass,: is it have any other charges on this RFID beside the regular fare? and how do we know for our credit balance? and how about the availability of this RFID, there are booth or store for this product of globe?
anyone can send me an info’s about my questions, it help’s me a lot… thanks guy’s!!!
just feel free to send me info’s at
kikomachineicon@yahoo.com
Based from Lala’s comment, the implementation sucks! I liked HK’s Octopus card. It’s also RFID and you could use it at the bus, trains, at university canteens, all 711 outlets and participating stores. You could use it all the way from the airport to your place.
When I was there, I hardly brought money more than 50 dollars.
I forgot, ticket sales are automated.
Hi lala, nice blow-by-blow account you have here. 😉
lala > but the load will still be forfeited if you don’t use it for 2 months.
Where did you get this info? I haven’t encountered this and I question it’s accuracy.
jp > Based from Lala’s comment, the implementation sucks!
I see the downsides, but I wouldn’t describe the service as “sucks” ;-). I personally am back to the stored value ticket (my globe sim expired). But I see how this development in technology can extend beyond it’s current pitfalls.
For example, g-pass can be one way to have one ticket for all train lines — a feat that the MRT/LRT lines haven’t pulled-off. I hear G-pass will be implemented at the other train lines too (probably before the regular tickets become usable in multiple train lines).
it’s a free country, we can rant. 😀 I choose to see the possibilities, not (just) the in-adequacies.
ka payapaan!
ka edong
hi guys! just new to this site! i like the quality of conversation here…very dynamic…
i tried G-PASS and have been using it ever since (STORED VALUE card is so hard to find!!!). I don’t mind the P0.20 – P0.30 transaction fee for each ride(compared to being able to load it up via G-CASH in the comforts of my own home and not having to fall in line! hehe!).
Are you sure in 2 months the load will expire? I asked the Globe customer service twice and 2 different people told me that the load doesn’t expire, unlike the stored value card.
I also heard from a friend that soon G-PASS will be available in all stations, even the LRT! What a lifesaver (I’m one of those people who frequently do a MRT-LRT connection). At least I won’t have to go through the hassle of falling in line from station to another and another…
So far, my experience with G-PASS has been great! I recommend it for frequent MRT riders who are in a hurry and want the convenience of not having to fall in line and being at the mercy of a stored value card. Try loading it up via G-CASH! It’s not as complicated as it sounds.
And by reading the G-PASS brochure, Globe seems to be coming up with something big via this chip! Can’t wait!
Maa!!! Globe already has now open GPass not only from Ayala to Cubao… but for the whole MRT station!!! kamuzta nmn yon??? GoGoGo Globe!!! =)
unfortunately, hindi ako satisfied sa g-pass. ka edong, you forgot to write on your article kung magkano talaga ang rate. may ilang cents kasing dagdag compared sa MRT Ticket. akala ko kagaya lang ng rates. eh hindi nila isinama yun sa ads nila. tsk tsk. at isa pa pala, hindi ako nakakareceive ng SMS everytime ginagamit ko sya (i’m using my globe number ha). so wala tuloy akong idea kung magkano na ba balance ko.
anyway, mukhang di na rin naman nag-push through ang G-Pass. haha. palaging walang tao sa booth ng G-Pass, tapos di na gumagana yung reading device nila. haha.
I was searching for an online help site for my Gpass when I encountered this site. May I add one nuisance with this Gpass, I don’t know what kind of tracking or monitoring system this Gpass has, it made an advance deduction on my balance! For today, Jan 18, it deducted 15.30 for a ride that is supposed to happen tonight! My God! I bought this Gpass because I like to idea of loading more than 100 so I don’t have to fall in line for a SV Card! I don’t mind the 5% additional service charge. But to deduct 15.30 for a ride that isn’t supposed to happen until 10 hours from now? Its like a digital thief in my pocket!
Customer service from Globe is useless! I talked to a certain “Gillian”, he says there are usually errors on Gpass system, and I should try tonight if my balance will be deducted! The fool! Of course it will have a deduction! Its confirmed that the deduction was made! Incompetent!
I was searching for an online help site for my Gpass when I encountered this site. May I add one nuisance with this Gpass, I don’t know what kind of tracking or monitoring system this Gpass has, it made an advance deduction on my balance! For today, Jan 18, it deducted 15.30 for a ride that is supposed to happen tonight! My God! I bought this Gpass because I like to idea of loading more than 100 so I don’t have to fall in line for a SV Card! I don’t mind the 5% additional service charge. But to deduct 15.30 for a ride that isn’t supposed to happen until 10 hours from now? Its like a digital thief in my pocket!
Customer service from Globe is useless! I talked to a certain “Gillian”, he says there are usually errors on Gpass system, and I should try tonight if my balance will be deducted! The fool! Of course it will have a deduction! Kung hindi ka pa nga nakakasakay binabawasan na, lalo pa kung sumakay ka na!
wow!!!!!!!! that is great!new tech., new way of life and it make us easy to ride in a MRT
i dont care!!! anyway i cant ride on that thing!!!! i have no guts !!!!!!!!!
I got a Globe prepaid number a few weeks ago, so should I try this now?
G-Pass is a finalist in the Mobile Awards.
I’ve lost my g-pass chip and the one who found it uses it every now and then. Its a nuisance because it sends a text messsage on my phone everytime its being used in and out of the mrt. Can someone help me?
isa lang masasabi ko, ampangit ng Gpass. This Gpass is ugly talaga. I make swipe the reader sa MRT tapos nag beep pula. Ayaw tanggapin. I stood like tanga there, akala ko mas mabilis kasi hindi card. Yun pala parang kawawa itsura ko dun. Nakuuu…. Palpak technology ng globe.
Minsan, palpak ito… oo tama minsan ayaw tumunog or tumunog man ayaw parin, you need to contact the g-pass center in the area, before u can get out in the station, and one more thing. i bought this g-pass yesterday, and i swipe it, and it doubles…how can i refund it? sucks!