AC Group, a Rwanda technology company specializing in smart transport solutions in partnership with the Government of Rwanda and city bus operators has introduced a contactless smart card based solution – offsetting the need to carry cash.
The launch comes after a successful 8 months pilot where AC Group mounted validators on the bus to read and accept payment and contactless cards were issued to commuters.
The system will ease revenue collection for bus operators but also have ability to monitor the location of the bus, its peed and information about passengers onboard the bus.
Commuters will be able to top-up their cards from a network of mobile agents along bus lines, USSD mobile top-up channels with Mobile Money, TigoCash and Airtel Money as well as Pivot Access cash-power agents where commuters usually buy their cash power. Kigali Bus Services has been the pioneer buy operator to test and kick off with the Tap&Go solution with an aim to go cash light by start of January.
All Kigali Bus Services vehicles have been mounted with bus validators and purchase of cards by commuters is ongoing. With no top-up charges, the card offers a new level of security and convenience for citizens and greatly aims to improve their public transport experience.
Along with AC Group, BRD Commercial Bank is also a founding partner of the project.
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