DOTr rolls out all-inclusive cashless payment for MRT-3

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has launched a cashless payment system for Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3), allowing commuters to pay fares using digital wallets, debit cards, credit cards, and other methods.

- DEXTER BARRO II

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon led the unveiling of the MRT-3's automated fare collection system on Friday, July 25.

Dizon said the new cashless turnstiles in MRT-3 accept almost all payment modes.

The upgraded turnstiles now accept e-wallets via QR code, debit cards, credit cards, prepaid cards, tap to pay for Android phones, alongside the single journey ticket and the stored-value card or beep card.

The DOTr has partnered with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DOTr), popular e-wallet GCash, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC), and state-run Land Bank of the Philippines to launch the program.

In a separate statement, Mastercard said holders of its credit, debit, and prepaid cards can also use the cashless turnstiles.

The company also said that the new method also extends to Mastercard cardholders using compatible e-wallets on NFC-enabled Android smartphones.