Ghana’s digitalisation drive has now made its way into the public transport sector with the launch of the Tap and Go transport service.
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia introduced the service in Accra on Monday, February 19 at the Head Office of Metro Mass Limited.
Tap and Go is a digital platform for multiple public transport services, which includes a digital card preloaded with cash that can be used to pay for transport fares by tapping the card on a fixed machine on a bus or rail. This system also offers a virtual card option on mobile phones for those who prefer not to use the physical card.
During the launch, Dr. Bawumia highlighted some of the challenges faced by the public transport sector and how the new digital service aims to address them. Some of these challenges include delays at stations, difficulty with identifying passengers in case of accidents, corruption with drivers, difficulty in obtaining credit, and various issues with currency and fare payments. The Tap and Go Transport Service seeks to formalise and improve the transport sector with a well-structured and tested technology.
Dr. Bawumia emphasized that the Tap and Go project aims to create a single system and common platform for the entire transportation ecosystem of Ghana, including different types of public transport services. He also stressed that the system was developed locally by talented young Ghanaians.
The Vice President expressed optimism about the potential of the Tap and Go digital platform to reduce corruption, enhance transparency, and improve the overall efficiency and accessibility of public transport services. He called on stakeholders in the transport sector to embrace the initiative and work together towards a safer, more efficient, transparent, and accessible transportation system for all.
