Commuters can now pay for their LRT-2 fare with debit and credit cards, QR codes
Passengers of LRT Line 2 are now able to pay their fares using Mastercard or Visa credit and debit cards, as well as QR codes from electronic wallets at the gate.
Instead of lining up to buy a single-journey ticket at all 13 LRT-2 stations—from Recto to Antipolo—commuters can now pay for their fare by tapping or scanning their Mastercard or Visa debit and credit cards, GCash QR code, and Google Pay at the LRT-2 turnstile.
At the launch of the new payment scheme on Monday, July 13, officials explained the system merges open-loop EMV card payments, mobile near-field communication, and QR payments into one platform. This allows the use of all Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards, even those issued by overseas banks.
Fare will be directly charged to the credit or debit card tapped or the mobile wallet that generates the QR code.
According to a statement released by Mastercard, since commuters may already carry a debit or credit card, or may have existing mobile wallet accounts, they can move through LRT-2 station entry points more quickly and efficiently. The digital payments are also more secure than using cash.
The statement further said passengers using this new contactless payment option can head straight to designated Fast lanes, cutting short their travel time.
"Project ng Philippine Automated Fare Collection System na sasaklaw hindi lang sa MRT 3, LRT 2, LRT 1, kundi sa lahat ng riles natin at maging ibang modes of transport," said Transportation Undersecretary Timothy John Batan at the system's launch.
Cashless payments are already accepted at MRT-3 stations, and bus transport systems in Bacolod, Cebu, and Mandaue.
Per Information and Communications Secretary Henry Aguda, the initiative was conceived in response to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to give more Filipinos access to digital payment options as these may ultimately lower their daily costs.
According to Aguda, the President said "social inclusion" goes beyond connectivity and covers affordability, as well.
"Kaya makikita niyo immediately last year, nag-launch tayo sa MRT-3, tapos ngayon LRT-2, at malapit na LRT-1," Aguda said at the launch.
"We're making everyday travel more seamless and secure, helping commuters save time and move through their journeys with greater confidence," said Jason Crasto, Mastercard's country manager for the Philippines, in a statement.
