More than 50 local and international companies have shown interest in the Philippine Automated Fare Collection System (PAFCS), boosting confidence in the government’s transport modernization program.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said the strong turnout came during a market sounding activity for the project under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Program.
The PAFCS aims to create a unified and secure payment system for trains, buses, and future transport services. Commuters will be able to pay using cards, QR codes, mobile phones, and other smart devices through one seamless platform.
The project also complements the Davao Public Transport Modernization Project (DPTMP), which includes its own automated fare collection and intelligent transport systems components.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier directed the DOTr to modernize public transport and make commuting more convenient for Filipinos.
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the government is focused on building a fare system that is accessible, reliable, secure, and future-ready for millions of daily commuters.
Undersecretary for railways Timothy John Batan welcomed the strong participation from private firms, saying it reflects investor confidence in the Philippines despite global economic challenges.
Interested firms came from several countries, including Japan, China, Singapore, South Korea, India, the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the Philippines.
The Davao transport modernization project, supported by the Asian Development Bank, is expected to serve as a pilot model for a safer and more efficient public transport system in the country.
