Bawumia launches ‘Tap N’ Go’ system for public transport

Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has launched a multi-functional cross-utility card to access and pay for public transport services across the country.

The Tap n’ Go Transport service, beginning with the Metro Mass Transit Limited’s Inter-City Services, will soon be rolled out to other transport operators like the GPRTU, VIP, VVIP, STC, taxis and trotros to address the many challenges facing the sector, including corruption and lack of transparency and accountability, according to officials of the Ministry of Transport.

Speaking at the launch in Accra on Monday, Vice President Bawumia expressed delight at the success of the government’s ongoing, holistic digitalisation efforts, which have seen interventions in key areas as the Port, DVLA, Passport Office, NHIS and Registrar General Department and hinted of more in the offing.

“Today marks another landmark in our nation's digital journey and the quest for a cashless society. The launch of the Tap n’ Go Transport service for Metro Mass Inter-City Services, our latest digital initiative for the transport sector, is a momentous occasion in our journey towards a more efficient and digitally empowered transportation system.

“Soon, almost every transport operator, from VIP to VVIP, from STC to Aayalolo, will be able to offer its patrons, the Tap n’ Go experience.

“Just as all the digital initiatives we have, the Tap n’ Go is designed to ensure ease of use for both drivers and the general public through a digital card preloaded with cash, or through the Tap n’ Go app downloaded on a phone,” he explained.

Drawing a clear distinction between the closed-loop, very limited system designed in the past for the exclusive use of Aayalolobuses, Dr Bawumia said the new Tap n’ Go has new, exciting features which allow it to be used on all public systems in the country, including railways.

“The new, expansive Tap N’ Go system, is equipped with added features tailored to support various modes of transportation, including taxi hailing, intercity bus services, inner city bus services such as Metro Mass, Aayalolo and soon GPTRU trotro services, which will be integrated seamlessly,” he emphasised.

Serving as an inclusive platform for all types of public transport service in Ghana, the Tap n’ Go aims to revolutionise the country’s public transport experience by helping to curb some age-old problems associated with the public transport system such as corruption, mistrust between drivers, mates and vehicle owners, as well as the hassle of cash transactions, causing needless delays over fare change.

“With the Tap N’ Go system, the common problem of boarding a trotro/bus with a 50, 100 or a 200 Cedi note and its associated discomfort of the driver’s mate not having a change and having to spend more time, will soon be a thing of the past.

“With the Tap N’ Go system, the issue of drivers not trusting their mates to fully account for the day's sales will soon be a thing of the past.

“With the Tap N’ Go system, the problem of vehicle owners, worrying about accurate daily takings and the whereabouts of their vehicles at any given time, will be a thing of the past.

“With the Tap N’ Go system, the problem of diversion of funds within state-owned intra and inter-city buses will be a thing of the past, as the system will help check corruption by promoting transparency.

“With today's launch of the Tap N’ Go for Metro Mass inter-city services, we are moving into a new, digitalised public transport system, where our journeys begin with a simple tap, where every seat on a public bus is just a click away, where the hassle of cash transactions fades into oblivion, where there will be transparency between car owners, drivers and mates, and most importantly, where there will not necessarily be the need to carry cash to access public transport in Ghana,” an elated Dr Bawumia declared.

Extolling the potential and actual benefits of the Tap N’ Go system in Ghana’s public transport sector, Dr Bawumia called on all stakeholders in the sector to “embrace this opportunity with open arms and work together towards a future where every journey is safe, efficient, and accessible to all.”

“The launch of Tap N’ Go inter-city with Metro Mass Transport, further underlines our commitment to embracing technology for the betterment of our nation.

“This adds to the number of digital interventions we have pursued over the past seven years to not only make access to public service easier but also to address many issues in our society, including corruption. “I am confident the Tap N’ Go system will serve as a powerful tool in addressing these issues to ensure transparency in ticketing, mitigate revenue losses, reduce waiting times at terminals, and optimise operational costs.”