By Brian Campued
In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to improve commuter services through digitalization, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Friday launched new cashless payment methods for Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) passengers.
As part of the Automatic Fare Collection System being implemented by DOTr, commuters can simply tap their debit or credit cards at the cashless turnstiles or generate a quick-response (QR) code with their e-wallet applications.
However, commuters will initially be charged P28, or the cost of an end-to-end journey ticket, using the cashless option. The system will then automatically return the appropriate change after they tap out before exiting the station.
These alternative payment methods were demonstrated to the public by DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon and Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda during the program’s launching at the MRT-3 Ayala Station in Makati City.
According to Dizon, going cashless in public transportation, such as trains aims to make commuting easier for Filipinos.
“Walang dagdag sa pasahe dito. ‘Yong sistema, kung ano ang ikakaltas sa [e-wallet] niyo, sa credit card niyo, sa debit card niyo, pareho lang kung bumili kayo ng single journey ticket,” he stressed.
“First of its kind ito sa whole world. Halos lahat ng payment modes puwede in one device. Ito ang tinutulak sa atin ng Pangulo na gawing convenient ang travel experience,” the DOTr chief added, thanking the agency’s partners both in the government and the private sector.
Meanwhile, Dizon assured the public that the same cashless options can soon be expected for the Light Rail Transit Lines 1 and 2. (with report from Bernard Ferrer / PTV News)
-jpv
