Putco launches new digital ticketing system

It says the SmartTap Digital Ticketing System aims to offer commuters greater convenience, flexibility, and security. 

According to Putco, the new system is set to address long-standing issues in public transport, including the problem of fake tickets and ticket resellers who have previously exploited the lack of flexibility in ticketing.

Putco spokesperson Lindokuhle Xulu said the digital system is similar to the banking system, where customers will load money on their cards based on different trip categories.

“Customers basically load trips that they want to embark on – we have 1,2 and 4 trips, those are generally for casual passengers, not permanent,” adding that the ticketing system also makes provision for 10 and 12 trips, which covers the whole week, and 44 and 52 trips which covers the month.

“All customers need to do is decide on their travelling patterns and load accordingly.” 

The digital system was implemented last Wednesday.

However, Xulu told Jacaranda FM News that Putco customers usually purchase tickets over the weekend, meaning the majority of passengers will also start using the system on Monday.

“What we have observed is that the launch has been a success, it has just been teething problems because some people don’t know how to use the system in terms of tapping. You will find someone placing the card and remove it immediately, not giving the machine some time to process the card,” Xulu added.

“We went to in and around the communities we operate in and educate but we understand that not all people will grasp the information.” 

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