In direct response to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to make public transport more convenient and accessible for Filipinos, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) will begin rolling out a modernized, cashless fare payment system for the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) systems starting in July.
DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon announced that commuters will soon be able to use their debit and credit cards, as well as popular mobile wallets such as GCash and PayMaya, to pay for their train fares, eliminating the need to purchase or reload Beep cards, the current stored-value contactless fare card.
“This July, we will begin implementation in the MRT and other train lines. I believe even credit cards will be accepted. You’ll simply tap your phone or card—no more need to buy a Beep card,” Dizon said.
The upcoming launch is part of the government’s commitment to completing projects on time and within budget, following the President’s directive to avoid delays that affect essential daily services.
The new system will feature cashless turnstiles that allow riders to simply tap their card or mobile device at entry gates, mirroring the efficiency of transit systems in leading global cities. According to Secretary Dizon, this open-loop payment model will integrate with multiple financial platforms and promote a more seamless commuting experience for all.
“We’ve seen these modern facilities abroad. President Marcos told us to do the same for our people here in the Philippines—and now, we’re doing it,” Dizon added.
The DOTr is actively coordinating with transport operators and financial service providers to ensure the smooth deployment of the upgraded Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) system. Pilot testing and a series of public information campaigns will be conducted in the lead-up to the official launch.
This milestone initiative underscores the administration’s broader vision of building a modern, inclusive, and efficient public transportation system that meets the evolving needs of the Filipino commuting public.
