Ministry proposes cashless transport sector

A cashless public transport sector would bring to an end crises such as the one that resulted in a nationwide matatu strike this week, a ministry has proposed.

The concept proposes the introduction of pre-paid smart cards to be used in public vehicles and discourage the use of cash.

According to the advert put up in local dailies by the Nairobi Metropolitan Ministry last year, it targeted high capacity vehicles and read in part: “Expression of interest to develop and operate electronic fare collection system on high capacity public service vehicles.”

This is focused on reducing the time taken by the city residents as they travel by 50 per cent.

The operators largely complain of harassment by traffic police men and council police, which according to the Nairobi Metropolitan minister are attracted to the cash.

Minister Njeru Githae is upbeat about the policy saying the main reason why operators are a target of the corrupt police, councils police, extortion cartels and car-jackings is because they carry huge sums of money.

“Since they always have liquid cash which they are ready to use to buy their freedom attracts all these forces,” said the minister in an interview last week.

Matatu drivers and conductors welfare association chairman, Samson Wainaina, said their members had stopped wearing uniform as they had become prime target of the officers since they know they have cash.

“This has been a major problem since our members are even arrested while taking lunch, going to the gents or even fuelling,” he said.

This will not be a new concept, in 2000, the Kenya Bus Service introduced the mega rider card to cater for fare in a certain period.

The conductors will carry the swipe machines and will adjust them either per the time or be standard from one bus stop to the other.

“The conductors will be performing a very noble job of managing the machine which will be very user friendly depending on the winning firm,” added Mr Githae.

Already tenders for the provision of the services has been closed and are awaiting opening, which would be a major turn around in the sector.

The chairman if the Matatu welfare association, Dickson Mbugua lauded the move saying it would bring better management of the vehicles.

“These are some of the recommendations we will be presenting to the Task Force established by Prime Minister, Raila Odinga as phase two after ironing out the urgent issues,” he said after addressing a stake holders meeting at the Marble Arch Hotel on Saturday.