Taxi industry to introduce card payments

A cashless paying system will soon be implemented in the Gauteng minibus taxi industry, supported by the Gauteng government and rolled out by the TaxiChoice Association.

The card-based project will be introduced along the Johannesburg, Pretoria and Mabopane (JPM) route. It will then be expanded to other taxi routes, with the aim of completing a national rollout within five years.

The system is owned and being implemented by FairPay, of which TaxiChoice, the commercial arm of the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco), is currently the sole shareholder, with Curve Group Holdings as the primary technology partner.

Read: Taxi drivers demand to speak to Premier of Gauteng David Makhura

The MEC for Gauteng Roads and Transport Department, Ismail Vadi, welcomed the idea. “The standard that must be strived for is ‘one province–one ticket’, in line with the national electronic fare collection regulations,” he said.

The project has been under development for the past five years.

Jothan Msibi, chairperson of TaxiChoice Association, said the system has been tested thoroughly and is fully compliant with all laws and regulations.

The chief executive officer of Curve Group, Fred Baumhardt, said this project is a leap for the South African taxi industry. “Through the use of digital technology, we can assist millions of hardworking people to be more connected, more informed and lead better lives,” he said.

According to Msibi, the system is safer and more secure because commuters will no longer have to carry cash or worry about whether the taxi driver will have enough change for them.

Read: Learn how to catch a taxi in South Africa

The first phase is set to be rolled out in February next year.

Apart from being able to process card payments, the equipment installed in taxis also contains a GPS device, and can act as a WiFi hotspot, providing commuters with Internet connectivity while they travel.

The information gathered through the GPS device will keep a record of incidents such as speeding, harsh acceleration and braking. The data will provide a more accurate understanding of the volumes of people making use of specific routes, allowing for better fleet management and route planning.

Read: Vadi encourages more women to enter taxi industry

This information can also be shared with the government, enabling it to make data-driven decisions when it comes to ensuring that under-serviced areas get the required level of transportation services that they require, the department said.

Source: Gauteng Roads and Transport Department

Add us on Whatsapp for the latest news by adding 079 4395 345 to your contact list and just send your name to us so we can save your number. Click here to find out more about our Whatsapp policy.