LRT-2 Launches Cashless Fare System; Accepts Bank Cards and Smartphones

Courtesy: Department of Transportation - Philippines

Commuters on the Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) can now pay their fares using Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards, smartphone wallets, and wearable devices following the official launch of the line's cashless payment system on Monday.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) rolled out the open-loop automated fare collection system across all 13 stations, spanning from Recto in Manila to Antipolo.

Under the new system, passengers can bypass traditional ticketing booths and tap-and-go directly at the station turnstiles using EMV-enabled bank cards or NFC-compatible devices. The modernization effort also integrates popular local e-wallets, including GCash QR code payments.

The rollout complies with a direct order from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who instructed the DOTr to implement interoperable digital payment options across all major transit lines to streamline public transportation and reduce commuter wait times.

Transportation officials stated that the technology will eventually expand to other major rail networks, including LRT-1, MRT-3, and the Metro Manila Subway, to create a unified, cashless transit experience nationwide.