The Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (CODETA) is set to introduce a new cashless payment system for commuters.
The association announced that from 1 June, passengers will be able to pay for their journeys using cards or a scan-to-pay system instead of cash. The move is aimed at modernising operations and improving commuter safety.
CODETA chairperson Nceba Enge told SmileFM that the association was moving quickly to implement the system.
“CODETA has embarked on an action to introduce a cashless system that will be effective from June. We are working very, very swiftly now to make sure that that happens.”
Enge said operators had already been informed and that engagements with drivers would take place on Wednesday and Thursday ahead of the official launch.
He added that they are currently figuring out how they will inform commuters about how the new system will work.
According to Enge, kiosks will be installed at taxi ranks where commuters can purchase and load payment cards. He also confirmed that cameras would be fitted inside taxis from next week as part of the broader rollout.
“We are trying by all means to fast-track things so that we don’t fail,” Enge told SmileFM.
He further acknowledged that some challenges can be expected, especially in the early months of the initiative, but urged all those involved to be patient.
“We’ll have challenges, but we’ll correct the grey areas as we proceed with the system, just that people must bear with us. But I can assure you that after two months, everything will work.”
Enge said the system is modelled after the way bus operators use cards.
A demonstration of how the system will work is explained in the video below. The man explains that commuters can use their smartphones to scan the QR code on the side of the taxi, which will lead to a payment system, or cards loaded with their taxi fare can be handed to the driver, who will scan the card to make payment on his device.
According to reports, the new payment model will also help resolve operational issues such as disputes over missing change and cash balancing problems experienced by drivers.
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