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HomeBusinessGweru Based Tech Company Introduces ‘Tap and Go’ Cards for Commuters

Gweru Based Tech Company Introduces ‘Tap and Go’ Cards for Commuters

A Gweru based technology company Netcoms, is set to introduce a new electronic payment system for Kombi and bus commuters called the smart ‘Tap and Go’ card.

BY DELICIOUS MATHUTHU

The local company has already signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a Rwandan company, Pascal Technologies Limited, which will install the system. 

Netcoms Research and Development Officer, Mr Lovejoy Matare said the system makes it easier for commuters to travel as passengers will deposit money into their cards which they will then use through the card for their daily commuting.

He says the system installation has already begun for all routes in Gweru, after which, other cities will benefit.

“Currently we have started implementation of an electronic payment system whereby passengers or commuters don’t require hard cash to pay for their commuter omnibus or bus fares instead use our smart Tap and Go card.

“Passengers will not have to pay cash but holders will have to top up the Tap and Go cards through our agents which will be stationed at all terminals,” he said.

Mr Matare said implementation of the system is set to start in Gweru then spread across the nation.

“Installation of electronic payment machines has started for all routes in Gweru and soon we will be extending coverage to all Harare and Bulawayo routes,” he said.

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He said the service will include a free bouquet of GPS tracking and monitoring of the vehicles with only a little maintenance fee paid.

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The Tap and Go cards will allow transport to be more efficient and increase revenues as proper and accurate collections are said will be guaranteed.

Mr Matare, who was recently in Rwanda, said Netcoms has already studied how the system operates in Rwanda which led to the Agreement with Pascal Technologies Limited already operating in that country.

“The technology has proven a success in Rwanda where we adopted it from. In order to fully understand the system, we engaged various parastatals and companies in Rwanda which led to our MoU with Pascal Technologies which is already operating the system in Rwanda,” he said.

The few companies and institutions visited by Mr Matare include the Rwandan Utilities Regulation Authority (RURA), Private Sector Federation (PSF) and the Rwanda National Police (RNP) to fully comprehend how the system works as well as how the government was benefitting from the system.

Netcoms is a subsidiary of fast growing Gweru based group of companies, TM Group, and focuses on developing and manufacturing technological gadgets and systems as well as supporting and selling computer softwares and services.

“Our objective as a company is to strengthen and advance ICT in as far as transport and communication in Zimbabwe is concerned.

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“Our services range from electronic payment systems for commuter omnibuses, buses and taxes to vehicle tracking and monitoring,” Matare said.

If successful, the Tap and Go card will be a relief to commuters after telecoms giant in Zimbabwe once tried to implement electronic payment system for commuters through the Ecocash wallet system but was not viable as it took too long to transact and unpopular with Kombi operators.

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