Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia says the Tap & Go Transport system will promote transparency within state intercity and intracity transport companies across the country.
The Tap & Go Transport system is a digital card preloaded with cash, which can be used to pay for transport fares by tapping the card on a fixed machine on the bus, just like the Oyster Card in the United Kingdom.
It is structured to enable users of public transport to load funds onto their Tap & Go Transport cards or accounts, simplifying the fare payment process.
Ghana’s Tap and Go card will also have added features of both physical and virtual versions, to ensure ease of use.
With the virtual card, users can download the Tap and Go app on their mobile phones, and opt for a virtual card option, which will enable them to make payments through their mobile phones, if they don’t wish to use the card.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, is part of the Government’s digitalisation efforts to formalise the economy and also promote a cashless society.
The initiative is a collaborative effort between the government and private investors, that aims to modernize the reservation of seats on public transport and the subsequent payment of fares.
Dr. Bawumia emphasized that this innovative approach will streamline fund collection procedures, effectively curbing instances of fund diversion.
During the launch of the initiative, he revealed that Metro Mass Transit has experienced a surge in revenue since the introduction of the Tap & Go Transport Initiative.
“It is important to note that, before the tap-and-go system was implemented by Metro Mass Transit, the audit report showed that the company was losing 50 per cent of its revenue annually but since it was implemented by the company, that leakage has been plucked and the revenue that it is making from 200 buses is more than when it was operating 500 buses.”
Dr. Bawumia further assured of steps to expand its use to other forms of public transport, including commercial buses known as ‘trotro’.
He said the initiative will reduce mistrust in the commercial transport system between drivers and mates, car owners and drivers, as well as eliminate corruption.
“With the tap and go system, the problem of vehicle owners worrying about the accurate daily takings and whereabouts of their cars at any given time will be a thing of the past. The problem with the diversion of funds within state-owned intercity and intracity buses will also be a thing of the past, as it will help check corruption by promoting transparency.”