by Allan David Reyes
If you’re a frequent MRT commuter, you’re probably familiar with Globe’s G-Pass. If not, here’s a lowdown. Instead of buying a regular MRT ticket, you buy a G-Pass chip. This chip uses a Radio Frequency Identification Chip or RFID to communicate with a sensor located on top of selected turnstiles. So how does this help the everyday commuter? You can avoid long lines at the ticket booth since you only have to buy the reloadable G-Pass chip. Second, you can reload the chip using G-Cash without you having to go to the station. Sounds good? Well, it is if you want to avoid the hassle of falling in line.
However, there are some drawbacks to this service. One of the main flaws is that not all sensors are working all the time. I’ve chanced upon some stations that have off-line sensors. This gets me to wonder how one exits a station. Another is the inability to view the current amount available in the chip. Globe only sends the pass' current balance via SMS, and you get charged P1/text; unless your balance is P20 or less, then the SMS inquiry is free. Hmm, shouldn’t this be free for all? Well, you can't have your cake, and eat it, too. But kudos to Globe for putting effort in making commuting a more pleasurable venture.
If you’re a frequent MRT commuter, you’re probably familiar with Globe’s G-Pass. If not, here’s a lowdown. Instead of buying a regular MRT ticket, you buy a G-Pass chip. This chip uses a Radio Frequency Identification Chip or RFID to communicate with a sensor located on top of selected turnstiles. So how does this help the everyday commuter? You can avoid long lines at the ticket booth since you only have to buy the reloadable G-Pass chip. Second, you can reload the chip using G-Cash without you having to go to the station. Sounds good? Well, it is if you want to avoid the hassle of falling in line.
However, there are some drawbacks to this service. One of the main flaws is that not all sensors are working all the time. I’ve chanced upon some stations that have off-line sensors. This gets me to wonder how one exits a station. Another is the inability to view the current amount available in the chip. Globe only sends the pass' current balance via SMS, and you get charged P1/text; unless your balance is P20 or less, then the SMS inquiry is free. Hmm, shouldn’t this be free for all? Well, you can't have your cake, and eat it, too. But kudos to Globe for putting effort in making commuting a more pleasurable venture.
been a Gpass user for a good few months now and before that, almost 3 years of MRT stored value or single journey user.
Gpass is so convenient. You can have the load checked for free at the loading stations in almost all of the MRt stations. When the readers are offline, the guards let you through anyway. And for times where some gates are closed (red X sign)- which happens when the gate is full of MRT cards inside, you can use your Gpass through the reader leaving a line of puzzled riders behind....
MRT stored value validity is for 6 months I think but Gpass load for 3 years. =D
This is not all that G-Cash is being used for. Check out the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wz4HFSNgvuw
so far Gpass is ok for me. I don't use the MRT everyday kaya I don't have a stored value. Gpass n lang kase 3 years siya valid. So whenever I need to use the MRT, I don't have to fall in line. Puede pa reload ito by Gcash. Convenient to me since I use Gcash for other payments!