DOTr rolls out card payments for MRT-3

Commuters on Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) can now use Mastercard credit, debit, and prepaid cards to pay for fares starting July 25, following a new contactless payment initiative launched by the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

By tapping the cards at the designated contactless turnstiles, this development offers digital flexibility and convenience in the open-loop public transport system. 

It also extends to cardholders using e-wallets on Near-field communication (NFC)-enabled Android smartphones, allowing for direct payment without the need for proprietary transit cards or cash.

Through this cashless transaction, commuters benefit from the safety and security of transit fare against card skimming and payment fraud. 

DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon launched this through GCash payment. 

Mastercard highlighted that this initiative serves as a milestone towards the country’s secure, seamless, and advanced transit payment system. 

“This capability reflects the growing momentum behind open-loop payment systems across Southeast Asia, supported by collaboration between government agencies, transit operators, financial institutions, and payment technology partners like Mastercard”, it said in a statement. 

With more than 13.4 million residents in Metro Manila, it supports the government’s goal towards ‘smart and more efficient’ digital mobility. 

Mastercard, a global card network corporation, introduced this to other major cities in countries like London, Sydney, and Singapore, which improves the commuting experience and public transportation.