DOTr, LTFRB tap PayMaya to provide cashless payment options for PUV drivers, operators

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB)  have tapped digital financial services provider PayMaya to provide cashless payment options to drivers and operators of public utility vehicles (PUVs).

In a statement, PayMaya said it is offering various taxi and transport operators and their drivers QR scan-to-pay capabilities via its mobile app, which will also give them access to a digital financial account that they can use for everyday transactions such as bills payments, airtime load reloading, and sending money to friends and family.

As transportation services resume in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ), the LTFRB issued guidelines mandating taxis and TNVS to adopt cashless payments such as PayMaya as a measure to help curb the further spread of COVID-19.

“Cashless payments particularly in taxis and TNVS vehicles is part of our new norm, and we are glad that our drivers and operators have easy and convenient options such as PayMaya so that they can quickly implement this solution for the safety and benefit of their riders,” LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra III said.

Drivers and transport operators may soon receive contactless payments through credit, debit, and prepaid cards via tap-to-pay technology through the other digital payment solutions of PayMaya, the fintech firm said.

Apart from providing cashless payments, PayMaya will also soon enable PUV drivers and operators with additional livelihood options–such as offering airtime load purchases, bills payment, and even remittances if they also operate a sari-sari store or any physical store–through other upcoming products and services.

“In the ‘new normal’, we must help everyone adapt to new and safer ways to lead our lives, and that includes the transportation industry. PayMaya is proud to support the government and transport operators not just in helping them accept contactless payments, but to chart the path towards their full recovery as well,” PayMaya founder and CEO Orlando Vea said. -MDM, GMA News