: Department of Transportation / FB
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is targeting the full implementation of an automated fare collection system (AFCS) across the EDSA Busway before the end of 2026, aiming to provide commuters with faster and more convenient payment options.
DOTr Secretary Banoy Lopez said the initiative is in line with the President’s directive to expand hassle-free and cashless payment methods in public transportation. A pilot implementation is expected to be conducted first to assess the system’s effectiveness before its full rollout.
Under the plan, bus operators will be required to offer cashless fare payment options at all EDSA Busway stations. Among the payment methods being considered are stored-value cards similar to those used in rail systems, as well as electronic wallets.
Lopez said kiosks will remain available at stations to allow commuters to load cards and access various payment platforms, including GCash. He emphasized that the system must be interoperable and capable of integrating multiple e-wallets and payment services.
The transport chief also noted that the AFCS is expected to improve travel efficiency and ensure that passengers pay the correct fare with greater convenience.
Lopez clarified that the program will not result in higher fares and that commuters will not be charged any convenience fees for using the cashless payment system.
The DOTr currently implements AFCS in the LRT-2 and MRT-3 systems, where passengers can pay using Beep cards, credit and debit cards, e-wallets, QR codes, and NFC-enabled devices.#
