Filipino commuters could eventually pay for jeepney, bus and train rides using a single payment method as the Department of Transportation (DOTr), now led by Secretary Vince Dizon, pursues a nationwide unified fare collection system aimed at making public transportation more convenient and accessible.
The proposed Philippine Automated Fare Collection System (PAFCS) would allow passengers to use compatible debit and credit cards, e-wallets, QR codes and contactless mobile devices across participating public transportation networks.
With Dizon returning to the DOTr on Oct. 26 following a Cabinet reshuffle, the project forms part of the department’s continuing efforts to modernize transportation services and improve the daily commuting experience.
The system is designed as an open-loop platform, allowing commuters to use compatible Beep cards, Visa and Mastercard bank cards, GCash, QR codes and NFC-enabled smartphones across participating transport networks.
The initiative also comes ahead of the Dec. 2027 expiration of the existing Beep card concession operated by AF Payments Inc., creating an opportunity to transition toward a more integrated payment system.
The groundwork has already begun. On July 25, 2025, the DOTr launched a cashless fare payment pilot at MRT-3, introducing GCash, Visa and Land Bank payment options through upgraded turnstiles. Automated fare collection has also been introduced at LRT-2.
The EDSA Busway is separately targeting automated fare collection before the end of 2026.
Dizon has identified improving the daily commute as a central priority of his leadership. He now oversees the department as the proposed nationwide payment system moves through the government’s approval process.
As of Nov. 2, 2026, the PPP Center said the project remained under review by the appropriate government approving body before bidding could proceed. If approved and successfully implemented, the system could make daily commuting more convenient by allowing Filipinos to move between buses, jeepneys and trains without switching between separate payment platforms.
