Following the hitches that were experienced in the previous deadline set on 1 July, the matatu cashless fare system deadline has been extended to 1^st December 2014. It happen that even the Central Bank of Kenya had not approved any service provide to facilitate the service.

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), which is the implementing authority, said only three service providers had been approved to operate the system, this were Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB), Co-operative Bank of Kenya and Equity Bank.

Cashless fare system was to start on July 1 following a directive by Transport and Infrastructure Cabinet Secretary Michael Kamau compelling all public service vehicles to comply.

However, industry stakeholders felt the need for harmonized cost of the gadgets. “Most providers have no infrastructure to run the system, they are not adequately prepared,” said NTSA Director-General Francis Meja.

He added that the deadline extension now gave more time for operators to acquire infrastructure and fully equip themselves for the switch.

Already, banks and payment processing firms are working with bus companies to issue debit cards that help commuters pay fares.

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