Rwanda commercial vehicles go cashless

KIGALI, Rwanda

In a bid to promote a cashless economy, Rwanda’s commercial vehicles will begin to adopt cashless payment services, the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) said.

Patrick Nyirishema, director general of the RURA while speaking at a press conference said that all motorcyclists in the capital Kigali will be required to use taximeters and cashless payments from August 15, while those outside Kigali may use taximeters in the next phase.

Motorists and passengers are advised to use mobile money to receive and send payments, he said.

While speaking to our reporter, Nyirishema sad that the new digital payment system will ease financial transactions and will lower the risk of using traditional financial transaction means.

“The move is also aimed at containing the spread of COVID-19, since using cashless payments will reduce hand-to-hand cash exchange,” he said.

According to Nyirishema, using taximeters will also ensure that passengers are not overcharged.

The RURA has announced previously the standard fares for the country’s motorcycle transport services, which will be displayed on taximeters.

According to the regulator, 19,500 out of 26,000 commercial motorists in Kigali have been fitted with taximeters.