Commuting around Metro Manila could be a difficult task due to the different modes of transportation and the different payment options accepted at each point.
However, a new partnership between Mastercard and AF Payments Inc. (AFPI), the operator of the beep payment system, can make commuting a little easier with the expansion of contactless payment options to public transportation.
During an event held on Nov. 21, beep officials announced the initiative, which is in line with the government’s push for digital payment adoption across various sectors.
Commuters utilizing the Bonifacio Transport Corporation (BGC) buses can now pay their fares by tapping any Mastercard credit, debit, or prepaid card on the beep BGC bus validators.
This development eliminates the need for passengers to purchase new beep cards or load existing ones, enhancing convenience for daily travelers.
Simon Calasanz, country manager for Mastercard, emphasized the security of the new payment method, saying that it employs the same advanced cybersecurity measures used in cities such as London, Sydney, and Singapore.
He assured that their “system is designed to prevent card skimming and payment fraud, ensuring a safe experience for commuters.”
The launch marks the first phase of a broader strategy between AFPI and Mastercard, with plans for future expansions to include EDSA buses and eventually the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3).
Jonathan Juan Moreno, president and CEO of beep, said: “We want to provide more options for commuters, allowing them to carry and manage fewer cards. The Filipino commuter deserves no less than the global standard.”
