The Department of Transportation (DOTr) assured commuters that the planned implementation of an automated fare collection system (AFCS) on the EDSA Busway will not result in additional fare charges or convenience fees.
The move follows a directive from DOTr Secretary Banoy Lopez to implement a cashless payment system across the EDSA Busway before the end of 2026, as part of efforts to make fare payments in public transportation faster and more convenient.
Lopez has also instructed the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to prepare for the system’s pilot implementation and require bus operators to provide cashless payment options at stations.
Payment methods under consideration include stored-value cards, electronic wallets, and other digital payment platforms.
The transport chief also emphasized the need to retain kiosks at stations where passengers can reload their cards and ensure interoperability among different payment systems.
The AFCS aims to speed up transactions and ensure that commuters pay the correct fares without being overcharged or undercharged.
Currently, the LRT-2 and MRT-3 already have automated fare collection systems that accept various cashless payment options, including Beep cards and selected digital payment methods.
(Photo Courtesy: Department of Transportation/Facebook)
