Just in! Visa rolls out contactless fare payments on LRT‑2

Visa, together with RCBC, DOTr, and other stakeholders, rolls out open-loop, contactless payments to LRT 2.

Photo from Visa

Visa launches contactless fare payments on LRT-2 

The project is Visa's fourth cashless transit project in the country.

The launch builds on Visa's success with MRT‑3 and bus systems in Cebu, Mandaue, and Bacolod, aligning Metro Manila with Asia's leading urban centers.

To recap, LRT, Southeast Asia's first rapid transit system, began operations in December 1984. Rapid urban growth later led to the launch of LRT‑2 in April 2003, which has since been extended eastward to Rizal to serve more commuters.

Today, riders can enjoy faster and more secure journeys across all 13 LRT‑2 stations using Visa cards, QR codes, and NFC‑enabled devices. With over 160,000 daily passengers, cashless payments are expected to streamline commuting, boost convenience, and even increase ridership by up to 10 percent.

With 94 percent of commuters in the region expecting contactless options, Visa's tap‑to‑ride projects—now more than 870 globally. This positions the Philippines as a "leader" in smart, sustainable urban mobility.

The automated fare collection systems across Metro Manila’s three rail lines signifies Visa's commitment toward accelerating financial inclusion, allowing both commuters and tourists to access digital payments while improving overall urban mobility in the Philippines. With expanded access to digital financial systems, we aim to support the government in boosting productivity while stimulating economic activity to fuel growth, said Jeffrey Navarro, Visa's Country Manager for the Philippines.

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