Commuters on Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) can now pay their fares by tapping Visa or Mastercard credit, debit, or prepaid cards, as well as eligible mobile wallets, across all 13 stations. The move expands contactless fare payment options in Metro Manila and lets passengers skip buying or reloading tickets before boarding.
The rollout is part of the modernization of the capital’s public transport system, giving passengers more ways to pay using the bank cards or smartphones they already carry. It also supports the government’s efforts to make commuting faster, more convenient, and less dependent on cash.
“Public transportation is part of everyday life for millions of Filipinos, and paying for a ride should be just as effortless,” said Jason Crasto, country manager for the Philippines, Mastercard. “With Mastercard contactless payments now available on LRT-2, we’re making everyday travel more seamless and secure, helping commuters save time and move through their journeys with greater confidence.”
Visa said the deployment, completed in collaboration with the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Rizal Commercial Banking Corpo. (RCBC), and other industry stakeholders, is its fourth cashless transit project in the Philippines. It follows similar implementations on MRT-3 and bus systems in Cebu, Mandaue, and Bacolod.
Mastercard said its contactless payment capability allows commuters to use Mastercard credit, debit, and prepaid cards, as well as compatible mobile wallets on NFC-enabled Android devices. The company said every transaction is protected by its built-in security features to provide a fast and secure payment experience.
The new system builds on LRT-2’s existing digital payment options, which include QR-based payments and mobile NFC transactions. By using an open-loop payment system, commuters can pay directly with their existing bank cards or supported mobile devices instead of purchasing or reloading a separate transit card.
According to the Visa Economic Empowerment Institute, open-loop contactless payment systems can increase public transport ridership by up to 10%. Visa also cited research showing that 94% of commuters across Asia-Pacific expect contactless payment options, while 45% said they would use public transportation more often if paying fares were easier.
“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, Country Manager for the Philippines, Visa.
LRT-2, which serves more than 160,000 passengers daily and connects Metro Manila to Rizal province, is the latest rail line to adopt open-loop payments. The expansion brings Metro Manila closer to other major cities where commuters can simply tap their bank cards or mobile devices to pay for public transport.
Image by Alina Kuptsova from Pixabay