Manila: Hundreds of city buses plying the Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) Busway now accept cashless payments using GCash. During its launch at the Para±aque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) on Wednesday, Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez announced that the new cashless payment system will provide an additional payment option for a more convenient experience at the EDSA Busway.
According to Philippines News Agency, the new payment system is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to improve the daily experience of those using public transportation. Lopez emphasized that the cashless payment option is a significant step towards enhancing commuter convenience. Passengers can avail of this option by using their GCash mobile app to scan the SoundPay device QR from the conductor, enter the fare amount, and complete the payment.
Lopez assured commuters that using the cashless payment system will not incur additional fees and that discounts for students, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and seniors will still apply. He highlighted the importance of modernizing not just public utility vehicles but also the overall passenger experience, which the GCash system aims to enhance.
During the launch event, Lopez traveled on a bus from the PITX to Santolan, accompanied by officials from the Department of Transportation (DOTr), GCash, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), and the busway consortium. GCash for Business head Jong Layug assured attendees that the payment system's security is robust and impervious to hacking attempts.
BSP Deputy Governor Mamerto Tangonan noted that the cashless payment system will be quick and hassle-free, allowing commuters to pay the exact fare directly to the operator's account. The pilot program will be implemented for one year, with the GCash SoundPay device currently available in 260 buses on the EDSA Busway.
The initiative is part of the Automatic Fare Collection System (AFCS) proof of concept for the National Standards (NS), aimed at facilitating seamless fare transactions, reducing cash handling, and offering passengers a cashless payment option.
