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Starting today, commuters in Metro Manila can now use their Mastercard credit, debit, and prepaid cards to pay for fares on the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) — simply by tapping at designated contactless turnstiles. This milestone marks a significant step forward in the Philippines’ journey toward a more seamless, secure, and digitally enabled public transport system.

The new contactless payment capability also extends to Mastercard cardholders using compatible e-wallets on NFC-enabled Android smartphones, offering commuters greater flexibility and convenience in their daily travel.

This capability reflects the growing momentum behind open-loop payment systems across Southeast Asia, supported by collaboration between government agencies, transit operators, financial institutions, and payment technology partners like Mastercard. Open-loop systems allow commuters to use existing bank cards or mobile wallets to pay directly for rides, eliminating the need for proprietary transit cards or cash and reducing friction in fare payments. Commuters paying with their Mastercard cards will also benefit from peace of mind with the embedded advanced safety and security features that protect them against card skimming and payment fraud.

With Metro Manila home to over 13.4 million residents, many of whom rely on public transportation, the introduction of contactless payments on MRT-3 supports the government’s push for smarter, more efficient urban mobility — while also encouraging the everyday use of digital payments.

Mastercard has enabled open-loop transit systems in major cities around the world — including London, Sydney, and Singapore — leveraging its global expertise to enhance commuter experiences and modernize public transport infrastructure and operations. In 2024, it became the first international payment network to introduce “Tap & Go” on public transport in Metro Manila.