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Freeman Razemba Senior Reporter
Zupco’s plans to open electronic ticketing (e-ticketing) kiosks in Harare to enable passengers to buy tap-and-go cards are now at an advanced stage.

The development will see passengers boarding Zupco buses without having to use cash.

Last month, Zupco introduced the e-ticketing system to ease transaction challenges and plug cash leakages from the public transport operator.

The e-ticketing system, which is in the form of a “tap-and-go” card, also seeks to increase revenue collection and efficiency.

Zupco chief executive Mr Evaristo Madangwa said they expect to take delivery of additional new buses anytime soon, most of which would be deployed to rural areas.

“It’s work in progress and once they arrive, they will be deployed to the rural areas and other parts of the country,” he said.

The new buses will grow the company’s fleet from the current 255 servicing the country’s major towns and cities, of which 212 are provided by the private sector.

In the short to medium term, Zupco will have 1 000 buses as more are expected from China, South Africa and Belarus.

Mr Madangwa said the kiosks for e-ticketing will soon be set up in the city for the public’s convenience.

“Plans are at an advance stage and we have received a letter from the Harare City Council in which they are saying they are willing to work with us in setting up these kiosks,” he said. “I would want to assure the public that something is happening and plans are at an advance stage.”

Mr Madangwa said they will soon meet the council officials to map the way forward.

In Harare, the kiosks will be at Simon Muzenda (formerly Fourth Street) bus terminus, Market Square, Rezende Street, Charge Office and Copacabana and in all the residential areas.

Mr Madangwa said in future, loyal customers would enjoy discounted fares.

The e-ticketing system promotes a cashless or cashlite society that the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe is pushing at a time bank notes are in short supply.

Commuters will have to deposit money in their cards, which are purchased from Zupco offices, using all modes of payment.

Secretary for Finance and Economic Development Mr George Guvamatanga recently said they were working in collaboration with one of the banks to launch the new payment system.