The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Metro Rail Transit Line 3 said that starting Aug. 4, 2025, free single journey tickets (SJT) would be to given to passengers unable to tap out at MRT-3 stations due to system errors during the pilot run of cashless payments on the mass transit line.
The initiative aligns with presidential directives to implement immediate solutions for MRT-3 passengers using debit/credit cards, QR codes, and NFC-enabled mobile devices for cashless payments, the DOTr said in a social media post.
It said it has been closely monitoring concerns raised by MRT-3 riders, particularly cases where passengers were charged the maximum fare of P28 due to system issues when tapping out at exit turnstiles.
As a solution, affected passengers will receive a non-expiring SJT equivalent to the maximum MRT fare, which they can use for their next ride. To claim the free SJT, passengers can proceed to any MRT-3 ticket booth and present proof of the failed tap-out transaction.
“We are grateful for the overwhelming support from passengers for our cashless payments on the MRT. We ask for your understanding regarding some issues during this pilot run, but rest assured that within this August, we will have more cashless turnstiles, and system upgrades will continue to prevent further problems,” DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon said.
