SuperCat provides passengers with contactless payment options
The three shipping lines of Chelsea Logistics, namely Starlite Ferries, Inc., The SuperCat Fast Ferry Corporation and Trans-Asia Shipping Lines Incorporated are now providing passengers with contactless payment options via GCash, ShopeePay and PayMaya. These partnerships are part of the ongoing digitalization efforts of Chelsea to modernize and provide safe and convenient booking experiences for its passengers.
Trans-Asia General Manager Sheila Sy said, “The move to incorporate the use of digital payment systems started in March 2020 and back then we only had PayMaya. During the height of the pandemic, the need for cashless payments became a necessity to follow safety protocols.”
Sy further added that the move was to help increase sales and provide payment flexibility. Sy reported that in July 2021, a partnership with GCash was inked, and recently, the Company debuted in Shopee. On the Shopee app, passengers are able to enjoy up to P50 discount when they avail of ShopeePay Piso Deals during PayDay Sale or Double Double Sale.
Customers can also use their e-wallets for cashless transactions at main ticketing booths nationwide. In order to make the payment, passengers simply have to open their App of choice, scan the QR code displayed at the counter, enter the amount to pay, and confirm payment.
The landscape has shifted since the pandemic started, causing consumers to abandon cash and resort to electronic payment. Cashless is now emerging as the preferred mode of payment for consumers under the new normal as internet banking and online shopping have become more widespread.
“Chelsea Logistics aims to further expand its digital footprint and explore new systems that will give our customers seamless and hassle-free booking experiences. These contactless payments facilitate faster transactions and improve passenger experience while reducing the cost inefficiencies of cash for merchants,” said Starlite Ferries General Manager Shane Arante.
The Group’s passenger fleet, composed of 22 RoPax vessels and 9 fastcrafts, has a total GRT of 357,433 tons and a carrying capacity of 15,188 passengers. The passage segment showed remarkable recovery in the first quarter of 2022 as revenues more than doubled year-on-year, up by 124% to P160 million.
Chelsea Logistics President & CEO Chryss Damuy remarked: “Now that we are seeing recovery in the passage business due to relaxed travel restrictions and eagerness of Filipinos to travel again, we are ready and happy to welcome them aboard. Our commitment to provide digital solutions is not only aimed at making transactions faster and easier; but we also desire for Filipinos to gain the freedom of traveling and enjoy the adventures they missed due to the pandemic. We sincerely thank our partners for the smooth flow of on boarding and support in terms of instore and online promotional materials.”