Visa has expanded its contactless transit payment network to Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2), allowing commuters to pay fares using Visa cards, QR codes, and NFC-enabled devices across all 13 stations.
The rollout, implemented in partnership with the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation, and other stakeholders, marks Visa’s fourth cashless public transport project in the Philippines.
LRT-2 adopts open-loop fare collection
The new system introduces open-loop contactless payments, allowing passengers to use their existing bank cards or compatible mobile devices instead of purchasing or reloading dedicated transit cards.
According to Visa, the upgrade is designed to make commuting more convenient for both local passengers and international visitors while supporting broader digital payment adoption.
The system is now available across all 13 LRT-2 stations, serving more than 160,000 daily commuters.
Supporting digital payments in public transport
According to Visa, the LRT-2 rollout builds on similar contactless payment implementations across the MRT-3, the Cebu bus system, the Mandaue bus network, and Bacolod’s public transport network.
The company said expanding contactless fare collection aligns Metro Manila with other cities across the Asia-Pacific region that have adopted digital transit payments.
Visa also cited regional data showing that 94% of commuters in Asia-Pacific expect contactless payment options when using public transportation, while 45% said they would use public transit more often if fare payments were simpler.
Part of broader financial inclusion efforts
Visa said expanding automated fare collection supports financial inclusion by encouraging more people to use digital payment methods in their daily activities.
The company also believes the move could benefit tourism, as international travelers increasingly expect to pay for transportation using the same payment cards and mobile wallets they use in their home countries.
Globally, Visa says it now supports more than 870 tap-to-ride transit projects, with the Philippines becoming one of its latest markets to adopt standardized contactless fare payments across multiple public transportation networks.
