Sylvia Duruson
South African mobility startup Loop has collaborated with Visa to introduce instant Tap-to-Phone payments for minibus taxi commuters and operators. The service is now live on Loop’s digitally-enabled taxis on the Mitchells Plain to Bellville route in Cape Town.
Riders can simply tap to pay, enabled by Visa’s Transforming Urban Mobility program. This marks a major step in digitizing South Africa’s critical minibus taxi industry.
Previously, taxi owners lacked systems to accurately track income. Loop’s solutions enable digital tracking of transactions for owners and associations.
According to Loop CEO Imtiyaaz Riley, minibus taxis form the backbone of public transport in South Africa. Loop aims to empower operators and commuters by bringing the sector into the digital age.
Similarly, Visa South Africa GM Lineshree Moodley said the collaboration aligns with Visa’s vision to modernize and digitize transportation solutions nationally. Visa seeks to help cities deliver efficient, inclusive commuting with digital payments.
The launch brought together stakeholders who supported Loop’s mission to revamp the taxi industry. Loop is a Cape Town-based mobility tech company.
Importantly, the Chairman of the Mitchell’s Plain to Bellville taxi route noted that Loop’s system improves safety by letting drivers concentrate fully on the road.
In addition, the new Tap-to-Phone functionality complements Loop’s existing Chat-to-Pay feature on WhatsApp. Riders can scan a driver’s QR code, view details, and pay securely without physical money changing hands.
Presently, Loop has over 3000 active Chat-to-Pay users, with many pre-loading transport wallets for convenience. As Loop’s Jamie Wyngaard explained, integrating Tap-to-Phone was a seamless way to alleviate payment stresses.
Moreover, beyond its current collaborations, this Visa partnership expands Loop’s connections with taxi associations and government as it modernizes the industry.
Fundamentally, Loop recognizes progress relies on cooperating with associations and drivers who are the heart of minibus operations. Together, they can reshape the landscape for the better.
