AF Payments, Mastercard kick off partnership

MANILA, Philippines — Beep card operator AF Payments Inc. (AFPI) and Mastercard kicked off the first phase of a pilot program under a strategic partnership that aims to broaden contactless acceptance in the country.

Through the partnership, commuters can now conveniently pay for rides using their Mastercard prepaid, debit or credit cards on Bonifacio Transport Corp. (BGC) buses.

Instead of buying bus tickets, cardholders can simply tap their Mastercard card directly on BGC bus validators.

The pilot program expands the existing payment options available via beep cards and beep QR codes.

“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,” AFPI president and CEO JJ Moreno said.

Future phases of the AF Payments and Mastercard partnership will also introduce contactless payments across other transit systems, including EDSA buses and the Metro Rail Transit Line 3.

The collaboration supports the government’s ambition to accelerate digital payments adoption in the country across various sectors such as transport.

“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 country manager for the Philippines Simon Calasanz said.

“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,” Calasanz said.