Planning to ride an electric bus (e-bus) in Metro Manila anytime soon? You need to have the GETPASS app first. In this blog, we will take a look at the features of the Global Electronic Transport (GET) Pass to prepare you for your ride!
What is GETPASS?
Global Electric Transport Philippines, a transportation company, operates the Community Optimized Managed Electric Transport (COMET) bus – a fleet of electric commuter buses across the country. Bus tickets can only be purchased through the GETPASS app using in-app membership tokens. These tokens can be topped up through GCash or Shopee Pay.
How to get the GETPASS application
Smartphone users can download the app for free from Google Play or the App Store. For Huawei users, it is available at the AppGallery.
Alternatively, you can visit their website to scan a QR code and download the app directly to your device. For non-smartphone users, there is an accessibility option where you can generate your QR code by creating an account.
How to Sign Up for a GETPASS account
After installation, you can begin the registration process by following these steps.
Step 1. Create your account by tapping New to GET? Sign-up
Step 2. Input your email or sign-up with your Facebook, Apple or Google account.
Step 3. Input the needed details.
Step 4. After creating your account, you may now login.
How to Join an Organization
Organizations are entities that offer their services which makes use of the GETPASS app. This could be a school, LGU, banks, or any other type of organization.
When you join an organization, you will be able to access benefits and services that are specific to that organization. Some organizations need approval before joining so it is recommended to join only the relevant orgs, in our case, transport-related orgs like the SM Electric Bus for example.
On the home screen, tap Join Org and select from the list of organizations you want to join.
The SM Electric Shuttle Bus org provides information on its bus lines and schedules. Users can also check the real-time location of a bus in transit by clicking on the unit number, which will open a map of Metro Manila. Isn’t that cool?
How to Acquire Tokens
Now that you’ve joined an org, the next step is to acquire tokens.
Tokens in the GETPASS app are your digital money that can be used to pay for rides on the COMET bus. They are purchased in the GETPASS app and stored in a virtual wallet. To pay for a ride, the user simply scans their QR code at the faregate.
To acquire tokens, follow these steps:
Step 1: On the homepage, tap Tokens
Step 2: Tap Acquire
Step 3: Click on a token from the available options. The points range from 50 to 5000, but only tokens up to 500 are clickable. Clicking on tokens with 1000 points or more does not seem to work currently.
Click the plus and minus signs to adjust the amount you want to purchase and then checkout by tapping the cart icon.
Step 4: Choose your preferred payment method to pay for your token. You can pay with ShopeePay, GCash, or Maya. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your payment.
After following these steps, you now have tokens. 🎉
How to generate a QR Code
We’re down to the last step! You will need the QR code to be able to board the e-bus. Here’s how:
Step 1: On the homepage, tap the middle icon.
Step 2: Select the QR code based on the number of passengers traveling.
For example, if you are traveling solo, you would use QR code number 1. However, if you are traveling with someone, you would need to use QR code number 2 and so on up to a maximum of 5. For multiple passengers, all must get off at the same stop.
This means that you can board with your family or friends using only one account, as long as you are all traveling to the same destination. Always remember to scan your QR code when getting on and off the bus.
Congrats! You can now ride the COMET bus!
Other App Features
Here’s a quick rundown of other services that is available in the app:
- Ride+ Premium Lines: This shuttle booking service allows users to select from a list of available shuttle lines and book their pick-up and drop-off points in advance, as well as the date and time of their trip. Currently, the only available shuttle lines are the University of San Carlos-Basic Education Department (USC-BED) Shuttle and the United Nations (UN) Shuttle. There is also a Powerplant mall line that is currently in the testing phase.
- Calendar: We were expecting to see a calendar schedule of rides, but instead this links to a Health Declaration Form, which is no longer required today.
- Watch: A collection of clips featuring the COMET bus.
- Play: The only game available is called S’LOTS O’FUN. It is a digital slot machine that does not offer any prizes at this time. It is intended to pass the time while you wait for your ride.
Now that your GETPASS app is set up, you are ready to board the e-bus! 🚌⚡ Check out the routes and schedule for the COMET bus and other useful commuter information you may need. Safe travels!