Commuters using the EDSA Busway can now pay their fares using GCash, marking another step toward modernizing public transportation in Metro Manila.
The cashless payment option was officially launched Wednesday at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), where Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the initiative is designed to give passengers a more convenient and seamless travel experience.
Lopez noted that the program supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to improve the quality of daily public transport services, emphasizing that modernization should go beyond vehicles and extend to overall passenger experience.
Under the new system, passengers can simply open their GCash app, select the scan-to-pay feature, scan the QR code on the SoundPay device carried by the conductor, input the fare, and confirm payment. Lopez assured commuters that no additional fees will be charged for cashless transactions, and existing fare discounts for students, senior citizens, and persons with disability will remain in effect.
Transportation officials highlighted that the initiative is not just about upgrading infrastructure, but also about making public service more efficient and commuter-friendly through digital solutions.
To demonstrate the system, Lopez joined officials from the Department of Transportation (DOTr), GCash, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), and the busway consortium on a test ride from PITX to Santolan.
GCash for Business head Jong Layug addressed concerns about digital security, saying the platform uses advanced protection measures to safeguard transactions. Meanwhile, BSP Deputy Governor Mamerto Tangonan said the system ensures quick, exact payments that go directly to bus operators, reducing delays and cash-handling issues.
The cashless payment scheme will be piloted for one year, with SoundPay devices currently installed in 260 buses operating along the EDSA Busway. The initiative forms part of the Automatic Fare Collection System (AFCS) proof of concept aimed at standardizing fare payments nationwide and promoting hassle-free, cashless commuting.
