Editorial: Tap n Go App must not be another fiasco

On Monday, February 19, 2024 Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia launched the Tap n Go app for Metro Mass Transit Limited (MMTL). It is a technology meant to revolutionise commercial transport services in the country. He is reported in our publication as saying, “With today’s launch of Tap n Go for Metro Mass intercity transit services, we are moving into a new digitalized public transport system…

“What is clear is that with the Tap n Go card, you can top it up with money from your momo account onto the Tap n Go card, and when your momo account is low and you have money on your Tap n Go card, you can transfer money from your Tap n Go card to your momo account”, our reporter quoted him as saying.

The Tap n Go project seeks to build a single system, a common platform for the entire transport echo system for inter and intra-city bus services, the trotros, the loading taxi service and the call-on-demand Uber-like service.

The Tap n Go App, we are told, is designed to ensure ease of use for both drivers and the general public through a virtual card preloaded with cash or through the Tap n Go App, which is loaded on a phone.

The Managing Director of Metro Mass Transit, Albert Adu Boahen, stated in his welcome remarks that the use of the Tap n Go App has already begun at the Kaneshie Bus Terminal, making the station the first in the nation to go completely cashless.

He added that by May 31, 2024 they intend to have all 25 of MMTL terminals going cashless. We pat the back of the government for this investment, but at the same time, we are not surprised at the launch of the App, as it is coming from a government that has focused its attention on digitalization.

There is no gain in saying the digital payment system will be much more convenient if the App is not complicated to operate. The authorities responsible should not renege on educating both drivers and passengers on the use of the App.

We believe that if proper education is given and both parties become conversant with it, the digital payment system will solve the fight between drivers and passengers over lorry fares, as the system itself will deduct the right amount.

The Chronicle is, however, concerned about the sustenance of the programme and ensuring the nation recoups its investments.

In 2016, then President John Dramani Mahama launched the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRT), also known as Aayalolo.

The Aayalolo buses commuted within the Greater Accra region, as a means of convenient and affordable transport. It was using a card system for payments.

Passengers only had to register for a card and load it with money to be able to board the bus by swiping the card on a device on the bus for the fare to be deducted.

Like the Tap n Go App outdoored this week, the Aayalolo card placed the transport system of the country on a higher pedestal in the digital world.

About eight years after Aayalolo was commercialised, they now issue paper tickets. The electronic payment system, which Tap n Go is also about, is no longer working.

It is on that score that The Chronicle is recommending a comprehensive and well-thought-through plan to sustain the Tap n Go App. The nation cannot continue to dissipate taxpayers’ funds with no proper returns.

If indeed government is a continuum, then we think managers of the Tap n Go App must learn from the Aayalolo card collapse to improve on the new one.

We are making this recommendation based on the statements from both former President Mahama and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia at the launch of the system respectively. A part from the old and new using cards, the Tap n Go App can be used on mobile phones. giving it more specifications.

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