MASTERCARD users will soon be able to utilize their prepaid, debit or credit cards to ride the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT 3) and buses that accept contactless payments.

The payment technology firm and AF Payments Inc. — the company behind the Beep card system — announced a partnership they said would broaden contactless payment acceptance in the Philippines.

The program will be launched in stages, starting with the MRT 3 and buses plying Bonifacio Global City and EDSA routes. The wider goal is to expand nationwide and add other transportation modes.

"This is expected to benefit millions of Filipino commuters in Metro Manila, enhancing smart mobility through initiatives that bring our transit systems in line with global transport standards," JJ Moreno, Beep president and chief executive officer, said in a statement.

Mastercard said the initiative supported the government's aim to speed up payment digitization and was aligned with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas' Digital Payments Transformation road map.

"Mastercard's mission is to power a digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere, by making payments safe, simple, smart and accessible," said Simon Calasanz, Mastercard country manager.

"From reducing queues at peak hours, to removing the need to carry multiple transit tickets or cash, cardholders will be able to use the same payment methods they already use for everyday spending," he added.

Read The Rest at :