RAILWAY commuters in Metro Manila can soon pay their fare through e-wallets such as GCash and Maya, and debit and credit cards.
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon announced on Friday that fare payments through e-wallets is a response to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to Cabinet officials to ensure there are no delays in government projects to better serve the public.
Dizon said cashless turnstiles for the automatic fare collection system will be installed at Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) stations starting July, eliminating the need to purchase or reload a Beep card, the contactless, stored-value smart card used for paying fares.
Dizon said commuters can simply tap their phones or cards at the turnstile or the mechanical gate, which consists of revolving horizontal arms fixed to a vertical post.
"I know credit cards are also possible. Just tap your phone. You don't need to buy a Beep card, Dizon said in a briefing in Malaca�ang.
"I was wondering why this wasn't implemented early on, that's why cashless options will be implemented immediately on the MRT," he said.
The President instructed the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to develop and implement an open-loop payment system that is integrated with multiple financial platforms. Such a system aims to replicate the seamless and inclusive systems employed by leading transit networks around the world.
"We see this in other countries. So, that's what our President said, let's also build modern facilities here for our countrymen." Dizon said.
The DOTr is working with transport operators and financial service providers to ensure a smooth rollout of the upgraded fare collection systems. Pilot testing and public information campaigns are planned for the period leading up to the July launch.
