The Department of Transportation (DoTr) announced Wednesday that 300,000 additional beep cards will be distributed next week to address a nationwide shortage that has led to long lines and inflated resale prices.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said the shipment, from operator AF Payments Inc., will be delivered to the MRT-3, LRT-1 and LRT-2 train lines across Metro Manila.

Dizon also issued a warning against syndicates that are reportedly buying up the cards and reselling them for as much as P300 each.

“There are syndicates buying up cards at the stations,” Dizon said. “We are coordinating with the PNP and SAICT. We will monitor every station to catch these troublemakers. We will have them arrested and jailed.”

He added that the department is working with online platforms to shut down groups illegally reselling the cards.

In a separate move to improve efficiency, the DoTr and LRT-1 operator Light Rail Manila Corp. have simplified the process for students, senior citizens and people with disabilities to get a 50 percent fare discount on single-journey tickets.

Eligible passengers now only need to present a valid ID at teller booths, eliminating the need to fill out forms.

“We are constantly looking for ways to make the LRT-1 experience more convenient and efficient for our passengers,” LRMC president and CEO Enrico R. Benipayo said.

Dizon also announced that personalized student beep cards, which will provide an automatic 50 percent fare discount on all rail lines, will be available starting next month.

The cards can be renewed after each school year.