MRT-3 Now Accepts GCash and QR Ph, But There's Still Room to Improve

Commuting just got a little easier for MRT-3 passengers. You can now use GCash and QR Ph to pay for single journey tickets, thanks to a new pilot test rolled out by the Department of Transportation (DOTr). This move is part of a broader push to modernize public transport and make it more commuter-friendly.

At selected MRT-3 stations, you’ll now find ticket booths where you can scan a QR code to pay. Just open your GCash app, scan the code, and get your ticket; no need for coins or bills. It’s a small but helpful change that aims to reduce waiting times and make daily commuting more efficient.

That said, there’s still room for improvement. Personally, I think relying on QR codes feels a bit clumsy. They work, but they’re not the most seamless option, especially during rush hours when lines still build up. A better solution could be to make beep Card payments accessible via NFC on mobile phones. Instead of pulling out beep Cards, passengers could simply tap their phones, something already common in other countries.

With mobile NFC support, not only would the process be faster, but passengers could also reload their beep cards instantly using any e-wallet or banking app. No more lining up at reloading stations or dealing with cash, everything could be done digitally and in seconds.

While the QR system is a step in the right direction, integrating mobile NFC payments would bring Philippine transit systems closer to international standards. Hopefully, the success of this pilot encourages further upgrades down the line.