THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) hailed the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) launch of tap-to-pay and scan-QR technologies at Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) stations. The initiative is a key part of the BSP’s push for digitalization.
DOTr, partnered with the BSP, and G-Xchange Inc. (GCash) to introduce a faster and easier fare collection system under its Automated Fare Collection System (AFCS) project. Filipino commuters can now pay train fares by tapping their credit or debit card or scanning a QR code from their e-wallets. No need to top up payment cards or buy one-off tickets.
Since 2023, the BSP has encouraged the payments industry to address integration issues in transit fare systems. At the same time, it has also emphasized compliance with interoperability and competition principles under the National Retail Payment System (NRPS) framework and other applicable regulations.
BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr., in a message delivered on his behalf by Monetary Board Member Walter C. Wassmer, said, “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 added that the BSP will continue to work with DOTr and BSP-supervised payment service providers. The goal is to ensure that payment systems are interoperable and that payment transactions are secure and reliable.
DOTr targets to roll out technology-enabled payments in more transit systems. The AFCS project aligns with the Philippine Development Plan’s goal to digitize 60 to 70 percent of all retail payments by 2028.
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