“We Fully Support NTSA On A Cashless System In PSVs,” Operators Say

The public service vehicle (PSV) operators are more than ready to welcome the new E-ticketing system that will see the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) ban the paying of bus fares using cash money.

Key players in the matatu industry have sworn their support to the NTSA adding that it is their wish that unlike the failed cashless system introduced six years ago, the current one is likely to work as coronavirus is also a motivation.

The PSV operators have said that an e-ticketing system will ensure the security of passengers and curb revenue leakage that results in the loss of as much as 30 percent of daily cash collection.

Speaking on the soon-to-be-introduced Matatu cashless system, the Matatu Owners Association Chairman Simon Kimutai said that an e-ticketing system with a payment gateway would see investors earning more money.

Kimutai also noted that the e-ticketing system in Matatus will help SACCOs regulate bus fares unlike before when the conductors would end up demanding more than necessary.

“I tried to introduce a cashless system in the year 2014 but it flopped since cartels managing bus routes and stages opposed it,” Simon Kimutai speaks of the one hindrance that is set to be faced by NTSA on enacting the Matatu cashless system.

“Currently, drivers and conductors commit deliberate traffic offenses as they easily access cash collected in their daily trips and bribe their way out,” Kimutai says noting that a cashless system will majorly fight corruption in the PSVs industry.

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) announced an invitation for bids to tech companies to install mobile software and web applications for around 200,000 passenger service vehicles (PSVs ).

The invitation for bids comes even as NTSA seeks to have the government ban cash to use in PSVs which will force all passengers to pay their bus fares via the cashless system and minimize the exchange of cash hence curb COVID-19 spread.

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