DOTr eyes QR codes, ATM cards as options for cashless fare payment 

Updated Oct 13, 2022 | Same topic: Latest Traffic Updates

For this agency, cashless payments are the future. 

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is currently looking into introducing more cashless fare payment options for the Philippine public transportation system. Other alternative means that it is considering include smartphones, credit cards, QR codes, and ATM cards. 

A picture of a person tapping a card for fare payment

Cashless fare payments are the norm in many other countries around the world

Future implementation of these additional cashless fare payments will be made available to buses, rail lines, as well as modernized jeepneys

Beep cards are in use currently, but the agency says that adding more avenues for cashless fare payments will aid in bringing the country to the global standards of cashless payments. Multiple means of paying for a fare after all, has been a common practice in other countries for quite some time now.  

One of the recent test projects in line with this initiative is the Automated Fare Collection System (AFCS) which was done in partnership with the Landbank of the Philippines. This particular system is tied to cards that use the Europay-MasterCard-Visa (EMV) payment method. It was available for use at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) last September 1, 2022.  

When that AFCS pilot test was running, the agency managed to gather data on how the system does in real-world and real-time operating conditions. It also functioned as a way to advertise the capabilities of EMV cards as a viable means of paying for one’s fare.  

A picture of passengers lining up to pay for their fare using their Beep cards.

Beep is currently the most popular form of cashless fare payment in the country

As noted by the DOTr, there are several advantages being offered by the AFCS. More cards from a variety of banks are compatible with it since it uses EMV. It is also considered secure, and it also improves passenger convenience as well. 

The said agency also added that this system might even lessen management costs for transit operators. This is logical since the AFCS requires little to no human management for its day-to-day operations. 

Beyond the AFCS, the DOTr is also looking into payments through a Near Field Communication System. In the future, this will also allow commuters to pay for their fares via smart devices like a smartwatch. 

For more car news, transport-related news, and automotive industry updates, keep it here on the Philippines’ largest automotive portal.  

Cesar G.B. Miguel

Cesar G.B. Miguel

Author

Cesar Guiderone B. Miguel was born and raised in Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte. He graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in English degree from Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology. He previously worked as a freelance writer for various websites, as a member of the Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction Management's training staff, and as a medical sales representative.

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