Mastercard and AF Payments Inc. (beep™) have launched a pilot program enabling contactless payments on Bonifacio Global City (BGC) buses using Mastercard cards.
In a statement, Mastercard said the initiative aims to enhance the commuting experience for Filipinos by offering a more convenient and secure payment option.
The partnership between Mastercard and AF Payments, first announced in February, allows commuters to tap their Mastercard prepaid, debit, or credit cards directly on BGC bus validators, eliminating the need for separate bus tickets and expanding the existing payment options of beep™ cards and beep™ QR codes.
“We are excited to partner with Mastercard to launch the first phase of this important partnership,” JJ Moreno, AF Payments president and chief executive officer, said.
“As an emerging and dynamic hub for global companies and innovative startups, Bonifacio Global City is the ideal location to kick off this rollout, which will not only improve transit options for local commuters, but also raise the efficiency and accessibility of public transport operations in line with global standards,” he added.
The pilot program in Taguig is the first phase of a broader initiative to introduce contactless payments across other transit systems in Metro Manila, including EDSA buses and Metro Rail Transit Line 3.
“This pilot program exemplifies Mastercard’s commitment to delivering innovative transit solutions for Metro Manila, while also furthering the adoption of digital payments in the Philippines,” Simon Calasanz, Mastercard Philippines xountry Manager, said.
“Mastercard looks forward to working with beep™ to bring greater convenience to local residents by introducing new payment options, which in turn will help reduce queues and contribute to an overall more rewarding transit experience,: he added.
Mastercard noted that it has enabled open loop transit systems in several major cities around the world, including London, Sydney, and Singapore.
The company is the first international payment network to enable ‘Tap & Go’ on public transport in Metro Manila.