Metro Manila commuters can soon enjoy free Wi-Fi, contactless payments, and other digital improvements in train stations, Malacañang announced on Friday.
The initiative, led by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), is part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s push to modernize public transportation and improve the overall commuter experience.
“Train stations and trains in Metro Manila will soon offer fast and free internet,” said Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro in a briefing. The rollout of free Wi-Fi will begin at all MRT stations and later extend to onboard trains.
Contactless fare payments will also be introduced, allowing passengers to use credit cards, smartphones, or e-wallets to pay for rides. In addition, the government is exploring AI-powered security screening to speed up safety checks at transit points.
The improvements include boosting fiber networks and signal coverage inside stations and across key commuting routes.
Castro emphasized that the enhancements aim not only to make commuting faster and safer but also to provide “a more dignified and comfortable experience for the Filipino people.”
Once fully launched on the MRT, the upgrades will eventually be adopted by LRT-1 and LRT-2.
While no exact timeline has been shared, officials said work on the enhancements will begin in May.
Meanwhile, nearly 1.2 million commuters reportedly benefited from the free train rides offered from April 30 to May 3 in celebration of Labor Day.
