Photo by Sher on Pexels.com
The launch of tap-to-pay services on Light Rail Transit lines is now set for February, as final preparations and testing continue.
The service, a joint effort between Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) and Visa Philippines, will allow commuters to use debit and credit cards at turnstiles on both LRT-1 and LRT-2.
“We’re looking at launching one of those two lines by February. We’re doing the UAT (user acceptance testing). We’re doing the testing, ” RCBC Executive Vice President and Chief Innovations and Inclusion Officer Lito Villanueva said.
He adds that LRT-2, which runs from Recto to Antipolo, may be the first line to adopt the system due to LRT-1’s ongoing extensions toward Parañaque.
“Baka mauna ‘yung LRT-2. Kasi si LRT-1, may extension pa, ’di ba, ma-extend papunta sa Parañaque,” Villanueva noted.
The payment system was first introduced at Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) stations in July 2025, letting passengers tap debit or credit cards as well as e-wallets for fare payment.
Google Pay was added in November, allowing commuters to pay through linked debit or credit cards and e-money accounts on their smartphones.
Authorities say the new rollout is expected to make commuting smoother and more convenient, especially as passenger numbers continue to grow across the LRT network.