The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has unveiled plans to introduce a cashless payment system at its transport terminals nationwide as part of efforts to modernise fare collection and enhance the safety of commercial drivers.
The proposed system will enable passengers to pay fares electronically and receive instant receipts, reducing the need for drivers and their assistants to carry large amounts of cash during their daily operations.
Speaking on the initiative, the Deputy Public Relations Officer of the GPRTU, Samuel Amoah, said the move is designed to address growing security concerns, particularly the risk of armed robbery attacks targeting drivers who transport cash proceeds after work.
Under the new arrangement, fare payments will largely be managed through a centralised system overseen by station authorities. The collected funds will then be accounted for and disbursed to drivers, limiting direct cash handling by transport operators.
Mr Amoah explained that the initiative forms part of the union’s broader drive toward digitalisation and improved efficiency within Ghana’s public transport sector.
He added that beyond improving accountability and transparency in fare collection, the cashless system is expected to provide a safer and more convenient payment option for both passengers and transport operators.
The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) says the introduction of a cashless fare payment system could greatly enhance the safety of commercial drivers, many of whom have become targets of armed robbers after carrying cash proceeds from their daily operations.
According to the union, the proposed digital platform will ensure that fare payments are processed electronically, reducing the need for drivers and their assistants to handle large amounts of cash.
“Once payments are made through the system, records will be automatically generated and receipts issued, making transactions more transparent, traceable and secure,” he explained.
The announcement comes amid growing public debate over digital payments in the transport sector, following a viral social media video that captured a disagreement between a passenger and a commercial vehicle operator over a mobile money fare transaction.
Although mobile money payments are not currently compulsory on commercial vehicles, the GPRTU says the planned platform is aimed at creating a standardised payment system that offers greater convenience and security for both passengers and transport operators.
The union added that work is ongoing to develop the technology and finalise the operational framework needed for a smooth rollout of the system.