Visa cardholders can now enjoy a seamless transit experience by using their cards for payments on modern jeepneys in Cebu and Mandaue City, providing convenient and inclusive payment options for daily commuters and tourists in the Philippines.
Philippines, 28 August 2024 – Visa, a global leader in digital payments, has partnered with Good Transport Solutions Inc. (GTSI), a transit mobility solutions provider, and GHL, a prominent nationwide payment service provider, to launch Visa card payments on modern jeepneys in Cebu and Mandaue City. This initiative, the first of its kind in the Philippines, officially commenced today with a launch ceremony at the Cebu IT Park Transport Terminal.
Through this collaboration, GTSI has teamed up with local transport operators, Lahug Apas Transport Cooperative (LATRANSCO) and Mandaue Transport Cooperative (MTC), to introduce 120 modern jeepneys in Cebu and 20 in Mandaue City, all equipped with onboard terminals that accept Visa payments. This pilot project demonstrates Visa's commitment to promoting digital payments in public transit across the Philippines, with plans to expand to other modes of transportation in the coming years.
Jeff Navarro, Country Manager for Visa Philippines, expressed his excitement: “We are thrilled to launch Visa's first transit project in the Philippines, enhancing the travel experience in Mandaue City by providing a range of payment options. As tourism in the Philippines rebounds, we have seen a rise in inbound tourists, and this partnership will make their transit experience more seamless. The future of public transit is about inclusivity through contactless payment systems that are convenient, secure, and accessible to all.”
According to the Department of Tourism, Cebu saw a 69% year-on-year increase in visitors in February 2024, welcoming 104,439 tourists. Meanwhile, Mandaue City, a popular destination in Cebu, recorded 228,472 tourist arrivals between January and September 2022. With growing tourism, the availability of Visa card payments on public transit enhances convenience, as travelers increasingly prefer digital payment options. Visa's Global Travel Intentions Study shows that 97% of Asia Pacific travelers plan to use card payments on their trips, with only 17% opting to carry cash.
Brezhnev Tero, CEO of Good Transport Solutions Inc. (GTSI), stated: "We are proud to partner with Visa and GHL to introduce the first contactless payment solution to the Philippines’ transport sector through our Bus Revenue Tracker System (BRTS). This collaboration revolutionizes fare collection, making every journey smoother, faster, and more convenient while setting a new standard for public transport in the country."
Jay Tirona, CEO of GHL Systems Philippines Inc., added: "This partnership is a great example of how technology and digital innovation in payments can benefit both the private and public sectors, ultimately improving the experience for Filipinos who rely on these jeepneys daily."
The new open-loop, contactless payment system promotes faster and more seamless travel while addressing the need for efficient public transit systems amid rapid urbanization across Asia Pacific. A recent Visa survey found that 58% of commuters prefer a unified payment method for all transport modes, as many currently use multiple methods each month. Additionally, implementing such systems can create a faster, safer, and more inclusive payment experience, even for those without access to traditional banking services.
Navarro concluded, “We are pleased to introduce an innovative system that enhances the commuting experience for all, making urban mobility more efficient and secure while ensuring access to reliable public transportation for everyone, including those underserved by traditional banking services.”
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