This archive report was first published on 14 June 2020.
June 14, 2020
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) is set to implement a cashless payment portal for matatus, which will provide real-time data on passenger movements and fare payments.
According to tender papers, the system should have capabilities to generate detailed daily, monthly, and yearly reports based on set parameters of a passenger manifest.
NTSA wants the platform to support mobile money and Pesalink transactions, as well as have reporting functionalities.
The data collected will be accessed by NTSA and other agencies tasked with curbing the spread of Covid-19, enabling individuals diagnosed with the virus to be traced easily, as well as those who came into contact with them during travel.
Matatu operators support the e-payment platform, saying it could help seal revenue leakages by rogue staff and restore order in the industry.
Matatu Owners Association Chairman Simon Kimutai says the platform could help investors plan future investments instead of the current hand-to-mouth business.
