Mobility
What engagements has his Department undertaken regarding the minibus taxi industry’s transition to cashless payments with the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association?
Before I proceed, I wish to clarify that the recently launched cashless payment initiative in the minibus taxi industry relates to the Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (CODETA) and not CATA.
Last week I honoured an invitation from the CODETA motherbody and attended the launch of their cashless pilot project in Site C, Khayelitsha. I saw first-hand the progressive approach championed by the industry with a private sector partner and would like to take this opportunity to once again commend the motherbody and the broader mini-bus taxi industry for championing such a bold, forward-thinking and progressive venture, as it gives expression to the transformation agenda for the industry.
With that said, I can confirm that my Department has been in engagements with the mini-bus taxi industry for a while regarding the migration to digital payment schemes. These engagements have been confined to SANTACO, as the only official and recognised body representing the interest of the mini-bus taxi industry.
The world is evolving and modern ways of conducting business have become prevalent. Embracing technology and digitisation will propel the mini-bus taxi industry to great heights.
Therefore, we welcome innovation within the minibus taxi industry and are encouraged by emerging initiatives aimed at modernising fare collection. We will continue engaging industry stakeholders to ensure that future cashless payment solutions are practical, sustainable and capable of delivering benefits for passengers, operators and drivers alike.
However, it must be noted that through our comprehensive assessment of cashless and digital payment solutions, it is evident that such systems cannot be introduced as standalone technological interventions but must form part of a broader process of modernisation, transformation and formalisation of the industry
It is for this reason, that we have adopted a phased approach through the Shayela Smart Minibus Taxi Reform Programme. Through this programme, we are working to establish the foundations necessary for successful cashless payment adoption, including the formalisation of driver-operator relationships, improved operational oversight and the introduction of supporting technology platforms.
The Department’s work is aimed at creating an enabling environment in which the mini-bus taxi industry as a whole is able to transition successfully to digital payment systems.
We remain resolute in our objective of not merely digitising payments, but supporting the long-term modernisation, sustainability and competitiveness of the minibus taxi industry as an essential component of the Western Cape’s public transport system.
ENDS
