Kigali Bus Services (KBS), a public commuter service company has initiated the use of electronic cards that will help passengers to quickly and easily make payments for their transport fares.
 
The move, which is the first of its kind in the region, demonstrates how businesses have taken advantage of the available technology to streamline their operations.

With this system, passengers will no longer be required to fork-out cash each time they board KBS busses, a move that meets the central bank’s goal to promote card-based payment as opposed to the highly risky cash transactions.
 
The system is also in line with the government strategy that encourages the application of ICTs in the country.  With an e-payment system, there is no need for bus owners to employ taxi touts, and this saves them more money. And, the users will no longer waste time queuing to pay or waiting for change.

With a prepaid card that allows a passenger to load any amount of money, budgeting for one’s transport expenditures will be much easier.

The advantages are numerous; therefore, other companies should consider adopting the system. This will not only improve the public transport system in the country, but will also ensure more streamlined businesses to the owners.

The system should also pave the way for card-based transactions across other sectors of the economy.

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