Manila, Philippines – In an effort to expand the acceptance of contactless payments, Mastercard and beep have recently launched their pilot program, enabling cardholders to simply tap their Mastercard cards directly on Bonifacio Transport Corporation (BGC) buses.
With the collaboration, commuters can now conveniently pay for bus rides using their Mastercard prepaid, debit, or credit cards on BGC bus validators. This initiative simplifies the payment process by eliminating separate ticket purchases while maintaining support for beep™ cards and QR codes.
In addition, said move also aligns with the Philippine government’s ambition to drive digital payment adoption in the country across sectors like transportation. It also underscores the company’s dedication to fostering smart and inclusive mobility in the Philippines, significantly enhancing the commuting experience for Filipinos.
Aside from these benefits, Mastercard cardholders can also benefit from advanced cybersecurity features designed to safeguard against card skimming and fraud. This can be drawn from Mastercard’s security systems that employ AI, machine learning, behavioural analytics, and identity verification data to strengthen organisational security.
JJ Moreno, president and chief executive officer at AF Payments Inc. (beep™), said, “We are excited to partner with Mastercard to launch the first phase of this important partnership. 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.”
Simon Calasanz, country manager to the Philippines at Mastercard, further added, “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.”
“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,” concluded Calasanz.
According to the firm, future phases of the program will also introduce contactless payments across other transit systems, which include EDSA buses and Metro Rail Transit Line 3.
