Afpi only processes applications sent by train operators

We read Jun Cinco’s commentary “The great LRT concessionary card chase” (Opinion, 11/3/15). Although he had not directly asked AF Payments Inc. (Afpi) to address his concern regarding the delay of the release of his concessionary card, we are taking the liberty of writing him to shed some light on the matter.

Afpi and the train operators (LRTA for LRT2, LRMC for LRT1, and DOTC-MRT3 for MRT3) have agreed on a standard concessionary card application process wherein the train operators have assigned a specific department within their respective organizations to consolidate all applications received from passengers by their station personnel. Afpi does not have any direct contact with the applicants.

The train operator is responsible for validating the applicants’ eligibility. The assigned department that consolidates the application forms simply sends instructions to Afpi daily, via a summary list in electronic form with the required information per applicant, which will be used to register the card in the AFCS system. Afpi uses the list to produce and register the concessionary cards.

The process cycle allows for applicants to claim their cards 10 days after their date of application.

Regarding Cinco’s specific application, the instruction to produce his card from LRT 2’s Public Relations (PR) Department (the LRTA-designated department to handle such matters) was received by Afpi on Oct. 15. Afpi in turn produced and delivered his card to LRT2 PR on Oct. 19, within four days from the date of receipt of the consolidated electronic list.

We regret to learn that Cinco’s application was apparently lodged as early as Aug. 28. Even though Afpi was not directly involved in receiving his application and is dependent on what the train operators submit to us for processing, we hope that our customer service representative who received his call regarding this matter provided him with a satisfactory response.

Moving forward, we will work closely with the train operators to ensure a timely and efficient processing of all concessionary card applications and sustain a responsive consumer experience.

—PETER MAHER, president and CEO, AF Payments Inc.

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We thank Afpi for this clarification. We are sure that similarly situated readers and their kin will find this very helpful. However, we would appreciate it if LRT-2 could come up with an honest assurance that it is not taking for a ride, so to speak, those who are still waiting for their long-delayed concessionary cards.—Jun Cinco