We have been seeing passengers pay fare using M-PESA services. The cashless payments have been around for a long time. However, they haven’t been popular in the transport industry (Matatu and associate services that prefer cash to any other payment method).
COVID-19 has, in part, tried to popularize cashless payments in transportation . The development has reported mixed success/failure rates as far as adoption is concerned (based on unscientific and day-to-day observations that include conductors compelling riders to pay in cash).
All that aside, Safaricom and the Kenya Ferry Services have announced a partnership that will see motorists use cashless payments via M-PESA.
The Kenya Ferry Services will collect toll payments from all vehicle classes through M-PESA. Customers need to press *721# on their devices and follow the prompts to make a payment.
The ferry services carry more than 300K pedestrians and 600 vehicles daily across the Likoni Channel. “This cashless solution through M-PESA is a display of our commitment to move with the times to better serve customers who use our services daily. This will also increase speed and efficiency as we automate ferry pass issuance, enabling an end-to-end seamless experience for all,” said Bakari Gowa, Managing Director, Kenya Ferry Services.
“M-PESA has emerged as a preferred way to make payments in the country. It is fast, safe, and convenient and offers the benefit of reconciliation both to customers and businesses. The service has equally distinguished itself in empowering our customers to keep safe during the COVID-19 period by limiting physical interactions and handling of cash. We are delighted to partner with the Kenya Ferry Services to offer payments that are quick, easy, and on-the-go as customers interact with the ferry services,” said Peter Ndegwa, Chief Executive Officer, Safaricom.