Transport agencies in Kigali city have started adopting Smart Card, an electronic payment platform, following the introduction of Tap and Go, which conductors are are worried will deprive them of employment.
At the end of 2015, Kigali Bus Services (KBS) launched travel payment systems using Smart Card.
Rwanda Transport Federation Cooperatives (RFTC) also recently unveiled the Tap and Go payment platform.
Some bus conductors who talked to IGIHE have expressed anxiety, saying if the digitalized transport fare payment fully gets embraced, they are bound to lose jobs.
“When all passengers start using electronic cards for paying transport fare, our presence will become useless. I have been worried wondering how to live in Kigali without occupation, otherwise I see joblessness days ahead,” said Kazungu Safi, a bus conductor along Gatsata –Nyacyonga.
Similar sentiments are shared by bus conductors on the Nyamirambo – Kimisagara route.
“We have started consuming less and saving for the rainy days,” says Musoni Khalim.
The deputy director of RFTC, Gahongayire Alphonse told IGIHE that they have not yet defined whether conductors will be needed or not when the Smart Card payment is fully implemented.
“We encourage bus conductors to seek driving licenses to drive cars other than fare collection support. We have not yet known whether we will continue to hire them,” he said.
Rwanda Regulatory Authority Agency (RURA) announced that the system of paying using cards started in Kigali city and will be extended to buses operating in other provinces of the country.
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