7 October2016, Johannesburg
The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport today officiated over the launch of the Electronic Fare Collection System at the Bosman Taxi Rank, which will allow commuters to just pay with a simple tap when boarding a taxi. Minister of Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport, Chairman of Taxi Choice, Director of XH Smart Technology Africa Chen Jie and relevant departments attended the launch event.
Minister of Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport said in his speech at the launch event that the first phase, which is the JPM route, busiest route in the country, is set to be rolled out in February 2017, where by commuters will be able to load their cards via point of sale (POS) devices and via kiosks at taxi ranks. He also pointed out that the use of Electronic Fare Collection System will also be extended to high-speed railway and bus transportation as soon as possible, to realize cashless fare payment system in all transportation methods.
Taxi Choice’s executive official, said that the project is planned to allow for better control of cash in the taxi industry. “In 3-5 years time of the launch, there will be 15 million taxi passengers enjoy the safety and convenience brought by cashless fare payment system on daily basis. They will be able to avoid any cash and to use bank cards, top-up transportation cards or QR code to pay for taxi fares. The system is making use of a very high technology and the same system can be used for buses and trains, to make public transport efficient, reliable and safe,” he added.
The card-based project – which is backed by the Gauteng Provincial Government and headed up by the Taxi Choice – the commercial arm of the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco), will be introduced to the Johannesburg, Pretoria and Mabopane route.
XH Smart Technology Africa, together with other partners, are the primary technology partner behind the system’s back and front end, including OS, POS devices, in-vehicle screens, transportation cards, etc. Nearly 200 thousand taxis in South Africa will be equipped with electronic payment devices and free wifi cater to passengers in 3 years time.
Chen Jie, Director of XH Smart Technology South Africa pointed out that replacing cash with latest electronic payment technology is only part of its projects’ initial progress. The next step is to provide passengers financial and mobile payment services through XH Smart’s OS and smart devices. This project will significantly broaden financial service coverage and add value to South Africa’s overall economic development.
Established in 2011 in Guangdong Province Zhuhai Free Trade Zone, XH is one of the fastest growing smart cards and smart card solutions provider in China supporting customers both in China and international markets. XH is the flagship company in Guangdong provice “Going out” strategy and “One Belt One Road” strategy. XH’s proven products and services are deployed in more than 50 countries covering Europe, Africa, South America and Southeast Asia. XH Smart Technology South Africa is a joint venture between XH and local company incorporated in December 2015. XH Smart Technology South Africa aims to provide latest payment products and system services to Africa’s finance, communication and government projects.
Since its inception, the company has invested heavily in R&D and has registered numerous patents in the area of production automation and copyright. XH has also achieved ISO9001, ISO14001, ISO18001, ISO27001, GSMA SAS, Visa, Mastercard and China UnionPay certification for production of schemed payment cards.
XH Smart Technology South Africa will provide advanced technology support and seamless services in the upcoming Electronic Fare Collection System project. It promotes the smart transformation of South Africa’s electronic transportation fare payment system and brings convenience to local residents by best technology and service solutions.
