MasterCard, in collaboration with NMB Bank in Tanzania, has launched a digital platform EYWA Transit Solution.

MasterCard, in collaboration with NMB Bank in Tanzania, has launched a digital platform EYWA Transit Solution that will enable commuters to pay for fares electronically while booking transportation online.

The service comes as a service card and a mobile application and will enbable commuters to scan their cards and track the arrival of transport.

The mobile feature will also enable commuter to pre-pay for their fares.

The EYWA system will also offer transport companies digitised payment records which in turn will enable them to secure credit facilities.

CEO of EYWA Transit Solution Toffène Kama, said: “We are committed to making decent mass-transit services accessible for all with a goal of moving millions of Africans daily and safely, at the cost they can afford. As the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, we are humbled to be able to launch a solution that will enable commuters in Tanzania transit while being able to stay safe by limiting human-to-human contact.”

He added that the MasterCard’s Quick Response technology will centralise fare collection from a broad range of payment methods, uniquely digitizing the transport industry in Tanzania.

Adam Jones, Area Business Head, East Africa for MasterCard agreed that the pandemic presented an opportunity to launch a contactless payment system to benefit the citizens.

“With thousands of people using public transport daily, our digital payment technology integrated into this solution will have a substantial and positive impact on driving inclusive growth, as well as building the digital economy,” said Jones.

NMB Bank and MasterCard previously launched motorcycle digital payments in the country. They enabled commercial motorcycle riders (boda-boda riders) to receive payments from customers directly to their NMB bank accounts, introducing them to a safe and secure payment platform that includes them in the financial ecosystem.