COMMUTERS in Metro Manila can look forward to a more convenient and efficient train travel experience starting this July. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced that passengers will soon be able to use debit cards, credit cards, and e-wallets to pay their fares on the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) lines, eliminating the long queues often associated with purchasing and reloading Beep cards.
This move towards a cashless payment system is a direct response to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive to develop an open-loop system compatible with various financial platforms.
DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon revealed that the deployment of cashless turnstiles for the automatic fare collection (AFC) system will begin next month.
The new system will allow passengers to simply tap their phones or payment cards at the turnstile upon entry, eliminating the need to purchase or reload Beep cards.
Dizon expressed surprise at the previous delay in implementing this system, emphasizing its potential to significantly improve the commuting experience.
The modernization of the payment system is expected to greatly reduce waiting times at stations, improving the overall efficiency and convenience for millions of daily commuters. This upgrade reflects a broader effort to modernize public transportation in the Philippines and improve the overall commuting experience for passengers.
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