The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Wednesday launched cashless payments on the EDSA Busway through mobile wallet GCash to streamline transactions and improve the experience for commuters.
The initiative follows a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to modernize public transportation and encourage its use by reducing daily travel friction.
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the digital option provides a hassle-free alternative for the thousands of passengers using the dedicated bus lane.
Lopez noted that the system includes no convenience or transaction fees and maintains the mandatory 20 percent discount for students, persons with disabilities and senior citizens.
The rollout is part of a broader effort to modernize public service and the overall passenger experience rather than just physical infrastructure, Lopez said.
About 260 bus units are equipped with SoundPay devices for a 1-year pilot implementation of the system.
To pay, commuters should open the GCash application, select the scan to pay option and scan a device held by the bus conductor. Passengers then enter the fare amount and confirm the transaction.
GCash for Business head Jong Layug said the system is secure and cannot be hacked due to significant investments in top-of-the-line security technology.
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Mamerto Tangonan confirmed that the system ensures exact fare payments are credited directly to bus operators’ accounts, eliminating common issues with cash handling and change.
The digital payment project supports the National Standards for the Automatic Fare Collection System proof of concept. Officials intend for the program to minimize cash reliance and offer flexible e-wallet options for the public. Darwin G. Amojelar
