MANILA - The Department of Transportation said Friday it tapped GCash to help equip taxis with scan-to-pay systems, as part of a pandemic normal that requires cashless payments.

The joint venture of Jack Ma's Alipay and Globe Telecom's Mynt allows users to scan merchants QR codes and deduct the amount due from their mobile wallet.

Digital payments will limit direct physical contact between drivers and passengers thus reducing the chance of spreading COVID-19, the Department of Transportation said.

The government is also in talks with payment platforms Squidpay, PayMaya and Beep, among others, LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra said.

"Cashless and contactless payment scheme will now be part of the 'new normal' in the public transportation system," Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade said.

• Taxis, ride-share cars urged to adopt cashless payments
• Taxi, ride-hailing apps to resume with 'no mask, no ride' policy on May 16: LTFRB

GCash is also offering PowerPay+ solution to taxi operators where salaries, allowances and commissions can be distributed to employees and members nationwide, the DOTr said.

Public utility vehicles are allowed to operate in reduced capacity and with strict health protocols, including the use of cashless payments, in areas under general community quarantine or GCQ.

“GCash strongly supports the government’s call for the use of mobile payments to lessen the risk of spreading COVID-19 through surfaces such as paper money,” GCash head of payments Jovit Bajar said.