Visa and RCBC Prepare for Contactless Payments on LRT 1 and 2 as Cashless Commuting Gains Momentum in the Philippines

Following the successful launch of contactless payments on the MRT-3, global digital payments leader Visa, in collaboration with Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC), is preparing to expand the same seamless transit payment experience to LRT Lines 1 and 2.

As part of this push, Visa and RCBC recently hosted a workshop on urban mobility to equip local banks with the tools and knowledge to support digital payments across various transit systems. The initiative aims to strengthen the financial ecosystem that powers automated fare collection in public transportation, making commutes easier, faster, and more efficient for everyday Filipinos.

With over 500,000 daily riders on LRT 1 and 2, the upcoming rollout of open-loop, contactless payment systems marks a major milestone in the Philippines' shift to a smarter, more connected transport network. Riders will soon be able to tap their bank cards or smartphones directly at station gates, eliminating the need for separate transit cards or cash.

“We’re committed to supporting the government’s goal of transforming the daily commute into a more convenient and modern experience. Our goal is to launch contactless payments on LRT 1 and 2 within the year,” shared Mylene Bico, Chief Commercial Officer of RCBC Credit Cards.

The workshop highlighted global best practices for digital fare collection, including operational insights from Visa’s extensive experience supporting more than 870 tap-to-ride projects worldwide. The push toward contactless transit systems is also backed by research from the Visa Economic Empowerment Institute, which found that such systems could increase public transit ridership by up to 10% and significantly improve commuter satisfaction.

According to the same report:

94% of commuters in the Asia-Pacific region expect contactless payments during travel

45% say they would ride more often if payment was easier

“This initiative is about more than convenience, it’s about inclusion,” said Jeffrey Navarro, Visa Philippines Country Manager. “By enabling digital fare payments through cards and mobile devices, we’re helping expand access to essential financial services, reducing waiting times, and improving the overall commuting experience.”

Visa’s continued investment in contactless mobility solutions aligns with the country’s broader efforts to modernize public infrastructure and drive inclusive economic growth. With previous projects in Cebu, Mandaue, Bacolod, and the MRT-3 already showing strong results, the LRT expansion signals another step forward in creating a world-class, cashless transport experience for Filipinos.