Track: Transport and Traffic

Abstract

Public transportation provides a cost-effective commute for people to reach their destination. In the Philippines, it is dominated by road vehicles such as jeepneys, taxicabs, Asian utility vehicles, and tricycles, with most if not all, commuters go via multiple carriers for the daily routine. The highly contagious coronavirus has put the world on high alert when it comes to touching high contact public surfaces. When it comes to paying for public transport services by cash, contact is inevitably unavoidable. Recent studies have concluded that the coronavirus can persist on inanimate surfaces like metal, glass or plastic for up to 3 days depending on the conditions. Interest would be on how drivers and passengers can be protected in the age of coronavirus and beyond. With the growing concern over the safety of drivers and commuters, it would be much advisable to use contactless payments to reduce the risk of transmission. With no obvious end to the outbreak in sight, the study delved on the feasibility of applying the cashless payment system for the multi-carrier commuting public. Results provided a better understanding of the complexities, issues, requisites and benefits of a Multi-Carrier Contactless Payment System for public transportation and all its stakeholders.