MRT to launch e-wallet, card payments on Friday

MANILA -- The Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) will be launching e-wallet and credit card payments on Friday.

Speaking on DZMM TeleRadyo, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said Monday that starting July 25, all MRT-3 station will have one turnstile accepting payments from e-wallets or banks, where users can simply tap their phone to pay for their train fare.

Another turnstile, meanwhile, will be alloted for payments from debit or credit card payments with chips.

"Hindi ka na kailangan pumila para bumili ng ticket, hindi ka na kailangan magkaroon ng beep card kasi minsan, kinakapos din tayo ng beep card," Dizon said. "Kung ano yung mga nakikita natin sa ibang bansa, dahil sabi nga ng Pangulo, convenience ang pinakaimportante, kailangang gawin nating mas kumbinyent." 

"Habang naghihintay tayo ng napakagandang mga proyekto na taon ang binibilang bago matapos eh kahit papaano gawin naman nating mas madali ang commute," Dizon added.

The official clarified, however, that senior citizens, persons with disability, and students who are entitled to ride discounts still have to buy single-journey tickets for now.

In May, Dizon said the Department of Transportation was eyeing "cashless turnstiles" in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to modernize public utilities.

‘Cashless turnstiles’ in MRT-3, other trains eyed in July – Dizon

From cashless payments to free WiFi: DOTr promises better service for LRT, MRT commuters