Modern jeepneys in Cebu are now accepting digital payments.
(Photo courtesy of Clay Banks on Unsplash)
According to Visa’s Global Travel Intentions Study (GTIS), 97% of travelers in Asia Pacific use digital payments as their main method of expenditure. Respondents cited security and competitive foreign exchange rates as its notable advantages.
Many restaurants, cafes, and shopping centers also allow cashless transactions through debit and credit cards. Now, cashless payments will be optional for commuters in Cebu, specifically for modern jeepneys.
Visa, one of the world’s leaders in digital spending, is collaborating with public transport companies and digital payment providers to allow passengers to use Visa cards to pay for their fare. This is to be implemented in Cebu and Mandaue City.
This is the company’s first project in the Philippines that aims to enhance travel experience by allowing a variety of payment options for different types of public transportation in the city.
It will definitely be an advantage for tourists, with the Department of Tourism recording 542,066 total foreign visitors in January 2024 – a 23.76% increase from the previous year.
Mandaue, on the other hand, is slowly becoming a popular tourist destination, recording 228,472 between January and September in 2022, according to the Manila Standard. (2024)
As more and more tourists visit Cebu, the payment company understands that digital transactions can offer convenience.
CONTACTLESS PAYMENTS FOR MODERN JEEPNEYS
The project was revealed on August 28th, with a total of 140 Visa-supported modern jeepneys made distinguishable through the “Tap to pay with Visa” signage.
These vehicles have onboard terminals that support any Visa card from banks and e-wallet apps like Maya or GoTyme. You can pay your fare by simply tapping your card onto the terminal.
No announcements have been made about price changes for using Visa cards.
Additionally, they have not revealed which Cebu jeepney routes currently support Visa payments.
However, expect many to pass by Cebu IT Park because of Visa’s partnership with the Lahug Apas Transport Cooperative (LATRANSCO), which primarily provides IT Park-bound jeepneys.
Visa has also partnered with the Mandaue Transport Cooperative (MANTRANSCO), which has jeepneys going to Parkmall near the North Reclamation Area. They have jeepneys enroute to the northern part of Cebu, like Consolacion and Liloan.
Cebu will have a total of 120 Visa-supported buses, while Mandaue will only have 20. Visa plans to bring the same service to other public transit options in the city in the future.
WHAT TO CONSIDER
While it’s easy to pick the most convenient option, there are some things to consider beforehand. Digital transactions have their drawbacks.
As always, be vigilant when dealing with your personal finances out in public, even in modern jeepneys, which can oftentimes be packed with passengers.
Make sure to secure your card inside your bag after paying your fare. Avoid putting it in your pocket to prevent theft or possibly dropping it.
Subsequently, there is a possibility that the terminal machines will malfunction due to intermittent internet connection, so it’s best not to rely on cashless payments whenever you commute.
Also, not everyone may have a Visa card, and terminals might not accept cards from other payment companies like Mastercard and American Express. If you get a GoTyme card, they can provide you with a Visa-supported card in less than 15 minutes.
VISA VERDICT
Despite Visa’s GTIS showing only 17% of its respondents preferring to bring cash, it is still considered the top payment method in the Philippines. Digital transactions serve as an alternative for bigger purchases or online shopping.
It may be best to use this as an emergency option in case you don’t have any cash when commuting, or if they don’t have change for bigger bills. The minimum fare is cheap enough that you will only need a couple of bills and coins to get around the city.
Regardless, it’s a positive contribution to jeepney modernization and making digital payments in the Philippines a convenient option for public transport.
REFERENCES:
Manila Standard Business. 2024. “Visa cards for jeepney payments rolled out in Cebu.
https://manilastandard.net/business/314490210/visa-cards-for-jeepney-payments-rolled-out-in-cebu.html#google_vignette.
