Select turnstiles along the MRT-3 train line have been upgraded to accept cashless payments. Now, commuters can simply tap their Visa or Mastercard-chipped debit or credit card, or scan their GCash Commuter QR code on the turnstile to avail of a single journey ticket (SJT). Those with NFC-enabled Android phones can also use their device to complete a transaction.
The Department of Transportation confirmed that there will be no price increases for cashless transactions. However, it looks like students will still need to line up at the ticket counter to avail of their discounted SJT. The white Beep card that automatically applies discounts is still available to senior citizens and PWDs, but those without it will need to line up. The student, PWD, and senior citizen discount has been bumped up to 50% until 2028, along with the Pamilya Pass that allows families to purchase four tickets for the price of one on Sundays.
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The DOTr then shared that turnstiles on the LRT-1 and LRT-2 train lines will be upgraded in the coming months. It is unclear if more turnstiles on the MRT-3 line will receive the upgrade or will remain exclusively for SJTs and Beep cards.
We first heard of this initiative almost two months ago, when transportation secretary Vince Dizon mentioned this cashless payment system would come in sometime in July. And now here we are.
Have any of you tried using the cashless turnstiles at your local MRT-3 stations? Share your experience in the comments.
