MRT-3 rolls out 3 new ways to pay for a faster, cashless commute

By Marinel E. Peroy

It is undeniable that commuting is also stressful for women, persons with disabilities and senior citizens. From queuing on the line to buy the ticket, this consumes a lot of time, especially during the rush hours.

But the new QR payment system makes MRT-3 more inclusive and commuter-friendly. For women, it reduces the need to line up in crowded areas, enhancing safety and convenience. For persons with disabilities and senior citizens, it removes the hassle of handling cash or navigating ticket machines, allowing them to travel more independently. By simply scanning a QR code, all passengers can enjoy a faster, safer, and more accessible commute.

Skipping the ticket lines and enjoy a faster, more convenient ride on the MRT-3 with the launch of a new cashless automated fare collection system.

In partnership with GCash, the Department of Transportation introduces three easy ways to pay for your MRT-3 rides:

• Tap to Pay with your phone – Use an NFC-enabled Android device for quick entry and exit.
• Scan a Commute QR Code – Generate a QR ticket in-app, scan it at the fast lane, and go.
• Tap with a Visa Card – Use your linked Visa card to pay directly and skip reloading lines.

With just a minimum balance equivalent to the maximum MRT-3 fare, you’re good to ride. The fare is deducted upon entry, with change automatically credited upon exit.

This innovation not only speeds up daily commutes but also eliminates the hassle of cash and long queues, bringing commuters one step closer to a seamless, modern transit experience.

In partnership with the Department of Transportation, GCash has introduced a cashless automated fare collection system at the MRT-3, significantly enhancing the commuter journey. Now, you can pay for your trips in new, easy ways, saving you from long queues and giving you access to a dedicated MRT fast lane. As long as you have a PHP 28 minimum balance in your GCash wallet (the maximum fare for a North Avenue-Taft trip), you’re ready to go! The full amount will be deducted upon entry, and your change will be reflected on your GCash wallet upon exit – you can check details on your app’s Transaction History.

Forget cash or exact coins  – your exact fare is seamlessly deducted from your GCash wallet. You can always check your balance and easily top up anytime, because you’re using your e-wallet directly. Best of all, your phone with the GCash app or GCash Visa Card is all you need!

Here are new, easy ways you can use GCash at the MRT-3:

Tap to Pay using your phone

Using an NFC-enabled Android phone? Great news! Your device is now your ticket for a seamless entry and exit pass.

To get started, GCash Tap to Pay is a quick, one-time activation:

1. Simply tap Settings in your GCash app.
2. Turn on the NFC feature.
3. Log in to your GCash account.
4. Select Tap to Pay and agree to the Terms & Conditions.

Once activated, paying for your MRT-3 ride is just two taps away. Just log in and open your GCash app, then tap your phone on the turnstile upon entry to proceed to the platform. 

Scan your GCash Commute QR 

No NFC for tapping? No worries! You can still enjoy the convenience of cashless commuting by generating a Commute QR code on your GCash app, serving as your digital ticket without the need to input any station details. 

Here’s how easy it is:

1. At the start of the trip, tap Commute on the GCash app.
2. Click Generate QR. You may download the QR or take a screenshot.
3. At the MRT fast lane, position your phone towards the scanner.
4. Once scanned, you’re all set to proceed to the train platform.

Upon exit, just scan the same QR code again, and the exact fare will be automatically deducted from your account. For Globe and TM users, this feature works even without mobile data! 

Tap your GCash Visa Card

Spotty signal, running out of battery, or simply love using a card? You can still breeze through your MRT-3 ride using your GCash Visa Card. Just like the current card ticketing system, you can simply tap your card upon entry and again upon exit. What’s great about the GCash Visa Card is that it’s linked to your GCash wallet for a leveled-up experience! No need to line up to load, use it to pay not just for MRT rides but also shopping in millions of online and offline stores, and withdraw from your GCash in any ATM for as low as P10. Cards are on soft launch – temporarily, your change will be credited to your GCash 24 hours after your MRT trip. See the details on your app’s Transaction History.

To use this convenient feature, order your GCash Visa Card on the app, and when you receive it, make sure to link it to your GCash account:

1. Tap ‘Cards’ in the GCash app to order or link your GCash Visa Card.
2. To order – Select ‘Order a Card,’ then input your delivery address and pay P250. It will be delivered to you in 7-10 days.
3. To link – Select ‘Link my Card,’ then input the One-Time Pin (OTP) and submit.
4. Enter the last 4 digits of your card and your virtual account number found at the back then submit.

With new convenient ways to pay at the MRT-3 station, your everyday commute just got a significant upgrade. Whether you tap, scan, or use your card, you are not just skipping one extra line and saving yourself time, but also experiencing a global, innovative way to pay with GCash!

Ready to power up your commute journey? Download the GCash App on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Huawei App Gallery.