Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Giovanni “Banoy” Lopez ordered the implementation of an automated fare collection system (AFCS) along the entire EDSA Busway route before the year ends.

Lopez hopes to conduct a pilot implementation of the program to ensure its effectiveness. He said bus operators will be obligated to provide cashless options for fare payment at every busway station.

These cashless payment options include stored value cards, as is currently being used at train stations, and the use of electronic wallets (e-wallets).

“Ipinag-utos ko na rin po sa LTFRB na sana hanggang December, this time they [the operators] have to provide ‘yung tinatawag nating automatic fare collection system sa ating mga consortiums, sa ating operators po, ng Busway natin. They have to provide that, kailangan po natin ‘yun para mas mabilis ang pagbiyahe ng ating mga commuters,” the Transport chief said.

Lopez added that kiosks be provided to allow commuters to top up their GCash e-wallets, and at some point accommodate other e-wallet services.

“Ang hinihingi ko lang po sa kanila, dapat meron pa rin silang kiosks sa ating Busway station kung saan ‘yung ating mga commuters, pwede silang magpa-load, at kung saan pwede rin ‘yung GCash. Dapat ang susi dito, interoperable at saka talagang it can integrate ‘yung other payment platforms and other e-wallets,” he said.

In addition, this program aims to enable passengers to pay only the exact fare.

Lopez clarified that these measures will not result in higher fares, and no convenience fees will apply.