The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has temporarily removed all beep Stored Value Updaters (SVUs) and Express Renewal Devices (ERDs) from train stations as part of an upgrade from 3G to 5G technology.
The move comes after the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) ordered telecom companies to gradually shut down 3G services nationwide, with full completion set by Dec. 31, 2026. According to the DOTr, the old 3G-based equipment has caused performance and reliability issues.
While the machines are unavailable, passengers can still check their Beep card balance and view recent load transactions using the beep mobile app by tapping their card on an NFC-enabled smartphone. Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) and Point-of-Sale (POS) tellers at stations also remain available for loading and other transactions.
AF Payments Inc., the operator of the beep card, said the removed machines are expected to return by the first quarter, upgraded to 5G technology.
The DOTr assured commuters that all other beep card functions—such as using cards at turnstiles and loading them at TVMs or through station tellers—continue to operate normally.
