The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) lauded the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) successful launch of tap-to-pay and scan-QR technologies at Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) stations, marking a significant stride in the nation’s push for a more digitalized economy.
On July 25, 2025, the DOTr, in a collaborative effort with the BSP and G-Xchange Inc. (GCash), introduced a faster and more convenient fare collection system under its Automated Fare Collection System (AFCS) project. Filipino commuters can now seamlessly pay for train fares by simply tapping their credit or debit cards or scanning a QR code from their e-wallets, eliminating the need for traditional payment card top-ups or the purchase of one-off tickets.
This initiative directly supports the BSP’s long-standing advocacy for the digitalization of payment systems. Since 2023, the central bank has actively encouraged the payments industry to resolve integration challenges within transit fare systems, while simultaneously emphasizing compliance with interoperability and competition principles outlined in the National Retail Payment System (NRPS) framework and other relevant regulations.
In a message delivered on his behalf by Monetary Board Member Walter C. Wassmer, BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. stated, “The central bank welcomes the development of the new fare collection system. This supports our broader push for a cash-lite economy, where Filipinos can confidently use digital payments for everyday transactions.”
BSP Deputy Governor Mamerto E. Tangonan further affirmed the central bank’s commitment, adding that the BSP will continue to collaborate with the DOTr and BSP-supervised payment service providers. This ongoing partnership aims to ensure that payment systems remain interoperable, secure, and reliable for all users.
The DOTr has set ambitious targets to roll out technology-enabled payments across more transit systems nationwide. The AFCS project is a key component of the Philippine Development Plan’s overarching goal to digitize 60 to 70 percent of all retail payments by 2028, fostering greater financial inclusion and efficiency across the country.
About the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP): The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is the central bank of the Republic of the Philippines. It is responsible for monetary policy, financial supervision, and promoting a safe, efficient, and reliable payment system.
