The Vice President of Ghana, H.E. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia on Monday, 19th February 2024 launched the Tap n’ Go system and ticketing solution for the Metro Mass Transit Limited (MMTL) to improve operational efficiency and ease of accessing public transport services.
He also commissioned 25 new VDL buses to augment the operations of MMTL.
The app was designed by a young talented Ghanaian IT Solution developer, in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and the Office of the Vice President.
The multifunctional Tap n’ Go platform seeks to build a single system for the entire transport eco-system for the inter and intra-city bus services, the commercial transport (Trotro), the loading taxi services, and the taxi-hailing (uber-like) services for commuting passengers in Ghana.
The new system is an advanced one with so many enhanced features which is completely different from the contactless closed-loop system designed solely for the Aayalolo buses. Tap n’ Go is a common platform built to cover the entire transport sector (public and private).
It is expected to plug revenue leakages, improve transparency and accountability in revenue generation within public transport operations, and curb corruption.
The buses would be with fixed security cameras to monitor the time and speed of drivers, check onboard passengers, and respond swiftly to emergencies.
Speaking at the launch of the App in Accra on Monday, Dr. Bawumia said the initiative was a major milestone in promoting a cashless society and digitally empowering the public transport system to deliver quality services.
He explained that Tap ‘n’ Go, “Like all our digital initiatives seeks to improve efficiency in the public transport sector, by addressing age-old challenges in the public transport service, such as delays at stations, inability to identify passengers in case of accidents, corruption with drivers under-declaring their earnings, inability to effectively monitor vehicle activities and financial performance of vehicles, lack of access to credit due to inability of banks to verify the revenue performance of vehicles, difficulty in getting the exact amounts to pay transport fares, receiving fake currencies, different fares for the same journey, the difficulty of getting change for passengers and robbery against cars and passengers, due to cash being carried around’’.
“Just as all the digital initiatives we have, the Tap n’ Go is designed to ensure ease of use for both drivers and the general public through a digital card preloaded with cash, or through the Tap & Go app downloaded on a phone.” He explained.
Dr Bawumia also announced that the government is in the process of securing 100 electric buses for MMT this year, to boost its operations.
The Minister of Transport, Hon. Kwaku Ofori Asiamah on his part, said the initiative was a game-changer in the public transport sector, which would ensure affordable and reliability to public transport services for the commuting public.
The Managing Director of MMTL, Mr. Albert Adu Boahen, in his welcome remarks explained that data generated by the Tap n’ Go App provides invaluable insights into commuter behavior and preferences.
“We can analyze usage patterns, identify peak travel times, and tailor our services to better meet the needs of our customers. The data-driven approach will help us to optimize route operations, allocate resources more effectively, and ultimately enhance the commuter experience”, he noted.
Additionally, he said the Tap n’ Go represents MMTL’s unwavering commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, stressing that “Our success hinges on our ability to adapt and evolve with the times, and this latest initiative is a testament to that philosophy”.
“We are already experiencing the profound change that new technologies bring to the way we live, work, interact, and do business. With the use of Tap n’ Go, Kaneshie bus terminal became the first in the nation to go completely cashless, and by May 31, 2024, we intend to have all our terminals going cashless”, he revealed.
The public is entreated to download and install the Tap n’ Go App on AppStore or PlayStore. It can also be accessed by using the USSD by dialing *713*091#.