DOTR draws GCash, Visa, Mastercard to PH unified train fare system bid

GCash, Visa, and Mastercard aim for a planned unified fare collection system for public transport in PH.

GCash, Mastercard, VISA logo

Seamless payment for major transportation in PH?

Major financial technology and payment companies, including GCash, Visa, and Mastercard, are among the firms that have expressed interest in a Philippine government initiative to establish a unified fare collection system across the country's rail and public transport network.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is developing the Philippine Automated Fare Collection System (PAFCS), which would allow commuters to pay fares using cards, e-wallets, and other digital payment methods on major rail lines, including MRT 3, LRT 1, LRT 2, and the Metro Manila Subway, currently under construction.

Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez has outlined the government's intent to build a seamless, interconnected payment platform that simplifies the commuting experience across multiple transport services.

Beyond the fintech and payment giants, global infrastructure and technology firms also participated in a market consultation held in Singapore. These include Siemens Mobility, Hitachi Asia, LG CNS, and Cubic Transportation Systems, signaling broad international interest in the project.

The PAFCS is currently undergoing review with technical support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). According to the DOTr's projected timeline, the project is targeted for government approval by May, with bid documents set for release in June and contract award slated for the fourth quarter of the year.

The winning bidder will be responsible for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the system — a move the government says is part of its broader push to modernize and streamline public transportation payments nationwide.

Source: Via: Inquirer