MPTC launches e-payment options for Luzon, Subic-Clark, Cavite toll roads
METRO PACIFIC Tollways Corp. (MPTC), setting its sights on someday having cashless payments in its expressways, launched on Tuesday a program that is aimed at making customers aware of various electronic options for paying toll fees.
“Our goal in these payment options is to allow our motorists and our customers to experience even more convenience whenever they travel Metro Pacific expressways,” said MPTC President and Chief Executive Officer Rodrigo E. Franco in a press conference at Seda Vertis North hotel in Quezon City.
The options — which include Easy Trip RFID (radio frequency identification), Mastercard contactless cards and beep cards — are now available to motorists using the North Luzon Expressway ( NLEx), Manila- Cavite Expressway ( CAVITEx) and Subic– Clark–Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx).
The “Digital tollways” program of MPTC, the tollways arm of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC), is also supported by MPTC partners PayMaya Philippines, Easy Trip Services Corp. and AF Payments, Inc.
Mr. Franco said the enabling of electronic transactions in the tollways is a “key contributor” in growing electronic money usage as thousands of motorists use the group’s expressways everyday.
“With this initiative, we are offering Filipinos more options that can suit their lifestyle and personal preferences,” he said.
Although cash payments will not be totally removed, motorists traveling NLEx can now pay tollway fees using Easy Trip RFID, beep cards, Mastercard contactless debit, prepaid and credit cards, including their Smart Mastercard powered by PayMaya.
Mastercard acceptance for CAVITEx and SCTEx will start soon, Mr. Franco said.
Motorists can also pay expressways with their Visa contactless debit, prepaid and credit cards soon.
“With these payment options, motorists will experience an even more seamless, convenient and hassle-free travel at the NLEx, SCTEx and CAVITEx,” he said.
Orlando S. Vea, PayMaya Philippines president and chief executive officer, said the impact of digital transformation in the toll roads space “will not only bring a whole new level of convenience to consumers but also place the country at the forefront of the region’s digital global economy.”
MPTC Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan described the use of digital payments as helping usher a new era of tollways operations “where consumers can enjoy faster, more secure and more convenient electronic transactions.”
He said the initiative is aligned with the National Retail Payment System program of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas that aims to transform 20% of the country’s payment transactions to electronic by 2020.
MPIC is one of three key Philippine units of Hong Kong-based First Pacific Co. Ltd., the others being Philex Mining Corp. and PLDT, Inc. Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has a majority stake in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. —