The Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (Codeta) in Khayelitsha is planning to introduce a new electronic payment system aimed at making commuting easier and improving financial monitoring within the taxi industry.
Codeta spokesperson Makhosandile Tumana described the upcoming system, known as Pay SA, as a way to accommodate both drivers and commuters.
Khayelitsha commuters to use bank cards in taxis
He said passengers will no longer need to carry cash as they will be able to use their bank cards to pay for taxi fares.
“We are currently working on the system and installing cameras in the taxis. The system will work like a Speedpoint where commuters insert their cards and pay before getting into the taxi. Inside the taxi, there will be cameras recording everything that happens. Through this, we are trying to monitor the movement of money within the taxis,” he said.
Taxi owners to track drivers’ daily income
Tumana stated that there will be a control room at Kuwait Taxi Rank in Site C where all activities will be monitored. He added that each taxi owner will have an app on their phone to track how much money a driver makes daily.
“Sometimes a driver returns with little money and there is no petrol in the taxi as well. Having this system will help us see where the money is going,” he explained.
He said the association will first test the system on a few routes before expanding it further.
Pay SA system to start on selected routes
“We will begin installing it in taxis operating around Khayelitsha, as well as routes between Khayelitsha to Delft and Mfuleni. By Monday, 1 June, the system should already be installed. By the first week of June we will see if it is working properly and whether we are satisfied with it. If we are happy, we will then install it in all our taxis,” said Tumana.
He assured commuters that they do not need to worry about losing their money through the system.
Taxi fare increase expected soon
Tumana also confirmed that taxi fares are expected to increase soon, although the exact date has not yet been confirmed.
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“The taxi fares will increase, but the exact date has not yet been confirmed. There is a press briefing tomorrow (Wednesday, 13 May) in Bellville where the association may announce it,” he said.
