Department of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon responded to former Audit Commissioner and 2025 senatorial aspirant Heidi Mendoza’s Facebook post airing concerns about her recent experience riding the Light Rail Transit (LRT).

In a message, Dizon thanked Mendoza for her observations, stressing the importance of feedback to improve the country’s transportation services. He also acknowledged that the trains have been long neglected and require immediate action.

Addressing the shortage of stored-value cards, Dizon said the department has instructed Beep to increase supplies and ensure stations are well-stocked.

As another solution, the DOTr plans to open the LRT and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) systems to other card payment providers next year to give commuters more options.

“We will open up the LRT and MRT to other providers of card payment system para hindi na ito exclusive sa Beep at pwedeng may choice ang commuters.”

“Ito din po ang reason kaya natin pina-pilot ang bago nating system sa MRT-3 na pwedeng GCash, debit and credit cards ang gamitin,” he explained.

On the issue of broken or unavailable ticket vending machines, Dizon said he has instructed train line operators to expedite repairs and warned contractors they would be fined if machines are not promptly fixed.

The Secretary also apologized for long lines at lanes for seniors and persons with disabilities, citing Commission on Audit guidelines requiring the names of beneficiaries and proof of eligibility for discounts. He asked Mendoza to help talk to COA to simplify the process and ease the burden on commuters.

“Baka you can help us explain ma'am sa COA na we just want huwag mahirapan ang mga pasahero lalo na ‘yung seniors and PWDs,” he wrote.

Dizon also addressed the lightning incident at Antipolo station that delayed LRT-2 service. He said such events are inevitable and unexpected but shuttle vans were deployed to accommodate commuters, though he admitted the service was insufficient.

The Transport chief ended his message with a heartfelt thank you and encouraged Mendoza to continue providing feedback so they can work on solutions.

Meanwhile, Mendoza urged Dizon to take lawmakers reviewing the DOTr budget for a ride to experience commuters’ struggles firsthand.

“Mag-palibreng sakay ka sa mga mag-aaral ng inyong budget. Kung subukan nilang lumabas sa Kongreso, [makikita] nila ang ilan sa dahilan kung bakit [dapat na] pinaghihirapang bantayan ang pera ng bayan,” she said.