The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is introducing cashless payments for the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT). At the time of writing, this has been set to be applied by July 2025.
We previously reported that this was already in effect via MRT-3 with payments in GCash/QRPh. With this news, it seems that the change was much appreciated. Either way, this move should make commuting easier while streamlining transactions.
There will be a new Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) system allowing passengers to pay for trips with debit/credit cards. This also includes mobile wallets like GCash and Maya, letting commuters through with ease without a Beep card. Similarly though, it’s as simple as tapping phones or bank cards at turnstiles.
DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon said that the open-loop payment system aligns with modern transit technologies used worldwide. This is slated to improve Filipino commuters’ accessibility and efficiency using the railway network.
To guarantee the smooth transition, the DOTr is working with transport operators and financial service providers. Their partnership will include projects like pilot testing and public awareness campaigns prior to full implementation.
To reiterate, the first phase of the cashless payments rollout will start next month. Readers should expect the turnstiles to be installed at key LRT and MRT stations by then.
This is gonna be bad for those people don’t have access for DEBIT AND CREDIT CARD EVEN PHONE DOESN’T HAVE GCASH OF PHONE AND THE HELL??? ARE DOTr SAYING WE NEED to buy need phone or device have NFC THIS IS SO RIDICULOUSLY AND WORTHLESS FOR PEOPLE DON’T HAVE ACCESS IN THE SERVICE OF BANKING AND ONLINE WALLET LIKE LOW LIVING PEOPLE.