Loop, a South African tech-mobility company founded to digitize and formalise the minibus taxi industry has partnered with VISA to introduce a Tap-to-Phone instant payment solution for minibus-taxi commuters and operators.
The new smart payment solution lets users make instant, contactless and hassle-free purchases supported by VISA’s Transforming Urban Mobility program.
According to Imtiyaaz Riley, Loop Founder, and CEO, “The minibus taxi industry is the backbone of public transport in South Africa. For generations, owners and associations couldn’t accurately track their taxi income. With our solutions, owners and associations can now transact digitally and seamlessly with Loop’s tech-based solutions.”
This partnership is a significant step toward ensuring that the safety and convenience of digital payments become a reality for millions of commuters and drivers across South Africa.
Chairman of the Mitchell’s Plain to Bellville route, Melton Oppelt commented, “We are very excited about this digital platform, and we have seen firsthand how Loop’s system increases safety. Taxi drivers can now solely focus on the road without worrying about collecting fares from their passengers.”
The Tap-to-Phone solution complements Loop’s existing Chat-to-Pay feature on WhatsApp. To use the solution ,commuters will be expected to scan the taxi driver’s QR code on WhatsApp, view details, and securely pay using Chat-to-Pay—a seamless process.
Currently, this service has over 3000 active commuters, with many topping up their secure Loop transport wallets for a week or month at a time.
Jamie Wyngaard, Head of UX at Loop, stated, “When I used minibus taxis, I would spend up to 20 minutes a day waiting in line at an ATM and then deal with the anxiety of asking the driver for change. Using Design Thinking, we conducted research interviews with commuters, drivers, and operators.
We’ve come up with various payment solutions, so partnering with VISA and using their Tap-To-Phone was a natural fit. People have enough to worry about in this country – paying in a taxi shouldn’t be one of those worries.”
Loop is also engaging with other taxi associations and the Gauteng government.
Imtiyaaz Riley added, “The minibus taxi industry is undeniably the backbone of South African public transport, touching the lives of millions daily. Our vision at Loop is to steer the industry into the digital future, but we recognize that this cannot be a solo journey.”
Imtiyaaz stated that Collaboration with taxi associations is essential, as owners and drivers stand as the true driving force behind our solution. Together, we can reimagine and reshape the minibus taxi landscape for a brighter, more efficient tomorrow.”