The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is set to introduce a cashless payment system for the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) starting July 2025, aiming to enhance commuter convenience and streamline transactions.
The new Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) system will allow passengers to pay for fares using debit and credit cards, as well as mobile wallets like GCash and Maya. This upgrade allows commuters to tap their phones or bank cards at turnstiles, eliminating the need to purchase or reload a Beep card.
DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon emphasized that the open-loop payment system aligns with modern transit technologies used globally, improving accessibility and efficiency across the railway network. He adds that GCash cashless payments are already accepted at the MRT-3.
To ensure a smooth transition, the DOTr is working with transport operators and financial service providers on pilot testing and public awareness campaigns before full implementation.
The first phase of the rollout will begin this July with the installation of cashless turnstiles at key LRT and MRT stations.
