MRT-3 to start accepting Mastercard for payments

Filipinos with Mastercard may now use their card to ride the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) without having to line up to buy a single journey ticket.

AF Payments Inc. announced that it entered into a partnership with Mastercard to allow commuters to use debit and credit cards to pay their MRT-3 and bus fares in Metro Manila.

This also marks the first time that debit and credit cards will be made a payment option in taking public transport in the Philippines.

AF Payments distributes the Beep cards that serve as the stored value ticket for MRT-3 and Light Rail Transit Lines 1 and 2.

Beep president and CEO Jonathan Juan Moreno said the tie-up with Mastercard seeks to expand the use of contactless transactions in the country.

Using Mastercard’s technology, Filipinos may tap their debit and credit cards at the turnstiles of MRT-3 to enter. Further, they may use their Mastercard to pay their bus trips in select routes.

AF Payments will pilot the viability of Mastercard across MRT-3 stations and buses in Bonifacio Global City and EDSA.

The objective for the long term, Moreno said, is to broaden the acceptance of contactless options in mass transport to support digital adoption.

AF Payments will host the use of Mastercard through its network and will add more open loop transit systems powered by Mastercard Gateway.

Mastercard manages open loop transit systems around the world, including in London, Singapore and Sydney. Under this, commuters may travel from one point to another using a single payment mode like debit and credit cards or QRs generated in phones.

“This is expected to benefit millions of Filipino commuters in Metro Manila, enhancing smart mobility through initiatives that bring our transit systems in line with global transport standards. We are excited to collaborate with Mastercard to boost the acceptance of contactless payments in transport and further improve commuters experience,” Moreno said.

Mastercard country manager for the Philippines Simon Calasanz said that the use of debit and credit cards in public transport would reduce lines at ticketing stations.

“From reducing queues during peak hours, to removing the need to carry multiple transit tickets or cash, cardholders will be able to use the same payment methods that they already use for their everyday spending,” Calasanz said.