World · Philippines Bureau
DOTr pushes automated fare system for EDSA busways by end-2026
The Department of Transportation aims to roll out an automated fare collection system across EDSA busways before 2026 concludes, targeting seamless commuting for Metro Manila passengers. The initiative will require bus operators to offer cashless payment options at all busway stations.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — The Department of Transportation plans to implement an automated fare collection system (AFCS) along EDSA busways before the end of 2026 as part of efforts to enhance the commuting experience in the capital region.
Transport Secretary Giovanni Lopez announced the timeline for the modernized payment system, which aims to eliminate cash-based transactions and streamline fare collection across the bustling corridor. The move is intended to reduce bottlenecks at ticketing points and improve operational efficiency for the high-volume transit route.
Under the proposed framework, bus operators utilizing the EDSA busway network will be obligated to integrate cashless payment mechanisms at stations along the entire corridor. The automated system is expected to accommodate various digital payment methods, making fares more accessible to commuters across different economic segments.
The DOTr's push for automated fare collection aligns with broader transportation modernization efforts in Metro Manila, where congestion and payment delays remain persistent challenges. Officials view the technology as a critical step toward achieving faster, more efficient public transit operations.