Say goodbye to long ticket lines and loose change, commuting on the Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT-3) just got easier. With the launch of a new cashless fare collection system, riders can now use digital wallets and contactless cards to pay for their trips quickly and conveniently.
Here’s how to go cashless on the MRT-3:
Choose your cashless payment method
You now have multiple options to tap in and out:
- GCash app (via QR code)
- Maya app
- GCash Visa or Mastercard
- Maya card
- Other contactless Visa or Master credit or debit cards issued by local banks
- Beep card (still accepted)
Check your balance
Before entering, make sure your e-wallet or card has at least P28, which covers the maximum fare from North Avenue to Taft Avenue. Your actual fare will be adjusted when you exit.
Tap to enter
Use your phone or card to tap the designated turnstiles of GCash Commuter QR Code, Near Field Communication-enabled Android phone and debit or credit card at the MRT-3. A screen will confirm successful entry.
Tap to exit
At your destination, tap again to exit. The system calculates your fare based on distance traveled and automatically deducts the correct amount. Any change (if applicable) will be refunded to your digital wallet.
Use the fast lane
Commuters using cashless methods can access dedicated fast lanes in MRT-3 stations, helping speed up boarding during peak hours.
The DOTr introduced the cashless automated fare collection system at the MRT-3 in partnership with GCash to enhance the commuter journey.
On Monday, August 4, the DOTr announced that it will provide free Single Journey Tickets (SJT) to MRT-3 passengers who are unable to tap out due to system errors during the ongoing pilot test of cashless payments
It added that the agency has been monitoring concerns raised by MRT-3 riders, particularly cases where passengers were charged the maximum fare of P28 due to system issues when tapping out at exit turnstiles.
In response, the DOTr is issuing a non-expiring SJT to affected passengers, equivalent to the maximum MRT-3 fare. Commuters can claim this from any MRT-3 ticket booth by presenting proof of the failed tap-out transaction, such as a screenshot from their e-wallet app or a transaction error notice.
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon apologized for the inconvenience caused by the system glitches during the pilot rollout of cashless payments at MRT-3 stations. He also thanked the riding public for supporting the latest initiative.
