Visa collaborates with Good Transport and GHL to enable contactless payments in Cebu and Mandaue City modern jeepneys in first transit project in the Philippines

Cebu, Philippines, 28 August 2024 – In a move poised to transform the public transportation landscape in the Philippines, Visa has partnered with Good Transport Solutions Inc. (GTSI) and GHL Systems Philippines Inc. to enable contactless payments on modern jeepneys in Cebu and Mandaue City. This initiative marks Visa’s first transit project in the Philippines, further advancing the nation’s journey towards a cashless society.

The project officially launched today at the Cebu IT Park Transport Terminal, introducing 120 modern jeepneys in Cebu and 20 in Mandaue City, equipped with Visa-accepting payment terminals. The collaboration between GTSI, Visa, and GHL promises to revolutionize the daily commute for locals and enhance the experience for the growing number of tourists in the region.

Visa Philippines Country Manager Jeff Navarro expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, “We are thrilled to unveil Visa's inaugural transit project in the Philippines. This initiative aims to enhance the travel experience for daily commuters and tourists in Mandaue City by offering a wider array of payment options. The future of transit is poised to create inclusivity through open-loop, contactless payment systems, providing commuters with seamless, convenient, and secure payment options.”

This initiative comes at a critical time for Cebu and Mandaue City, both of which are experiencing a surge in tourism. According to the Department of Tourism, Cebu saw a 69% year-on-year increase in visitors in February 2024, with 104,439 tourists flocking to the city. Mandaue City, a key tourist hub, recorded 228,472 arrivals between January and September 2022. The integration of Visa card payments into the local transportation system is expected to streamline travel for both residents and visitors, aligning with global trends toward digital and contactless payments.

Brezhnev Tero, CEO of Good Transport Solutions Inc., emphasized the significance of this collaboration, noting that it not only modernizes fare collection but also enhances the overall commuter experience. “By leading the way in transport innovation, we are making every journey smoother, faster, and more convenient, setting a new standard for public transport in the country,” Tero said.

Jay Tirona, CEO of GHL Systems Philippines, highlighted the broader implications of this initiative. “This partnership is an exciting example of how technology and digital innovation in payments can positively impact the private and public sectors, and ultimately, benefit Filipinos who ride these jeepneys every day,” Tirona stated.

As urbanization accelerates across Asia Pacific, with an estimated 120,000 people moving to cities daily, the need for efficient public transit systems becomes increasingly urgent. Visa’s Global Urban Mobility survey revealed that 58% of commuters favor a unified payment method for all transport modes. This project aligns with such preferences, offering a faster, safer, and more hygienic payment experience for passengers. Additionally, it paves the way for greater financial inclusion by providing access to modern payment systems even for those without traditional banking services.

The project is expected to serve as a blueprint for future expansions, with plans to extend Visa’s contactless payment system to other modes of transit across the Philippines in the coming years. As Visa continues to push the boundaries of digital payment innovation, this initiative stands as a testament to the company’s commitment to improving public transportation and supporting the country’s broader economic goals.

Visa’s entry into the Philippine transit sector is a significant step forward, promising not only enhanced convenience but also a more inclusive and connected transportation network for all.

(Released by Visa Philippines)