Transport & Logistics

Commuters on the Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) can now leave both cash and stored-value cards at home as the government rolls out a digital fare payment system that allows passengers to pay with contactless bank cards, mobile wallets and QR codes, marking another step toward a fully cashless public transport network.

Chinese automaker GAC International Philippines has joined the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI), strengthening its role in shaping industry policies as it accelerates its expansion in one of Southeast Asia's fastest-growing automotive markets.

Air passengers will get cheaper tickets from July 16 to 31, as the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) cuts fuel surcharges amid falling global jet fuel prices. Rates drop to Level 8 from the earlier Level 9, with domestic passenger surcharges at ₱253 to ₱787, and international rates at ₱835.05 to ₱6,208.98. Cargo fees will range from ₱1.30 to ₱3.80 per kg domestically and ₱4.29 to ₱131.92 per kg internationally.

Visa has launched automated, contactless fare collection systems across all 13 stations of the Manila Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2), marking its fourth cashless transit initiative in the country. Developed in partnership with the Department of Transportation, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation, and other industry stakeholders, the project enables more than 160,000 daily commuters to pay for train rides using Visa cards, QR codes, and NFC-enabled devices.

The government is positioning electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing for greater policy support while reviving a scaled-down automotive incentive program to prevent investment momentum from stalling before a long-term industry roadmap takes effect.