Cashlite fare system, 1963, today announced it had signed up 16 of SACCOs in Nakuru country running some 700 vehicles, in a move to convert the county’s public service vehicles to ditch cash for cashless payments.
The Saccos led by 3NTO, Bahama, Naloki, Phase Two Sacco, and Highway Travellers which ply routes to Nairobi, Nakuru, Naivasha, and Lanet, as well as within Nakuru County itself have led the early and aggressive adoption of the cashlite system in a move to help the matatu owners move to streamline the revenue collection from their vehicles.
“After identifying the yawning gap for a cashless fare system in the region, we met with Nakuru matatu SACCOs in December and enlightened them about the cashless fare system and the role it plays in improving their business. The uptake, however, began much later, but has since been far more rapid than in Nairobi,” said Mwakio Ngale, 1963 General Manager.
With approximately 10,000 registered cards in the county, the switch to the cashlite system in Nakuru is being driven mainly by the matatu owners and SACCOs. 3NTO SACCO, for instance, sought out the 1963 team to register for the cashless system, and is currently actively enlightening passengers on the benefits and the usage of the card. The SACCO has 30 of its matatus using principally the 1963 card.
The system is said to have simplified procurement process for those interested in purchasing new vehicles, made revenue collection easy and in real time and as well enabled Saccos members to know the status and security of their matatusaround the clock.
“Although the number of registered cards in Nakuru County is still lower than Nairobi, due to the wide population gap, there is consistency in how people are using the card and the uptake is now faster compared to Nairobi,” said Mwakio Ngale.
“We have also noted that the youth account for 75 per cent of registered 1963 card users, comprising mainly of students of up to 25 years who navigate between their schools and hostels using matatus.”
