Cashless Taxis: The Future of Public Transport

What is Cashless?

Cashless is a smart, secure, and modern payment solution designed to transform the minibus taxi industry in South Africa. At its core, Cashless eliminates the need for physical cash transactions in taxis, allowing commuters to pay for their rides using bank cards, digital tickets, or mobile-based payments. This implementation brings convenience, safety, and transparency to the everyday commuter experience.

This innovative solution is powered by Waxd Solutions, a fintech company committed to financial inclusion through digital payment systems. By leveraging Waxd's Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) technology, commuters can now pay for their taxi rides using bank cards, digital tickets, or mobile-based payments. This innovation not only streamlines the payment process but also enhances safety and transparency for all parties involved.

The South African taxi industry is on the brink of a major transformation. The transition to a cashless taxi industry is not just an option but a necessary step towards a safer, more efficient, and financially sustainable future for South Africa’s transport sector. Waxd is committed to making this happen by partnering and working with important players in the taxi industry, the National Department of Transport (NDOT), governing taxi bodies, local municipalities and as well as payments companies such as Visa.

Why was Cashless created?

Cash remains the dominant form of payment in the informal transport sector, but it also brings challenges:

Security risks for drivers and passengers due to theft
Operational inefficiencies like delayed trips and cash mismanagement
Lack of financial visibility for taxi owners and associations

Cashless was developed to directly solve these problems and unlock new possibilities for income generation, service quality, and long-term financial empowerment across the taxi ecosystem.

What makes Cashless different?

Unlike ordinary card machines or isolated tech solutions, Cashless is a complete ecosystem:

For commuters: Easy, tap-and-go travel using prepaid tickets or cards.
For drivers and owners: Daily payouts, income tracking, and the ability to earn from more than just fares.
For merchants: Opportunity to sell taxi tickets and earn commission with minimal setup.
For taxi associations: Transparent revenue flow and better operational oversight.

It’s not just about removing cash, it’s about building a digital economy within the transport sector that benefits everyone.

Why Cashless Matters

The adoption of the Cashless system brings forth several advantages:

Enhanced Safety: Reducing cash transactions minimises the risk of theft and related crimes.
Operational Efficiency: Digital payments streamline the boarding process, reducing delays and improving service reliability.
Financial Transparency: Digital records provide clear insights into earnings, aiding in financial planning and access to credit facilities.
Economic Inclusion: By digitising payments, the system integrates the informal taxi sector into the broader financial ecosystem, promoting economic growth.

The Cashless initiative represents a significant step towards modernising public transport in South Africa, offering tangible benefits to commuters, drivers, and taxi owners alike:

For Commuters

No need to carry cash – just tap your card and ride
Faster boarding and shorter queues
Safer journeys with less risk of theft

For Drivers & Owners

Reduced handling of cash improves safety
Daily earnings paid directly to your bank account
Clear records for earnings and operations
Opportunities to earn more through sales of airtime, electricity, Wi-Fi, insurance, and more, as we introduce these services

For Merchants

Earn a 2.5% commission on every taxi ticket sold
Attract more foot traffic to your store
Easy-to-use system with training and device provided

How It Works

If you have a CARD (Bank/Post Bank Sassa Card), then simply tap to pay at any branded Cashless taxi.
- Capitec users will also need to use the card on a traditional speed point or ATM once and enter your PIN to confirm “tap to pay” function on your card.
SASSA and Postbank card users must activate their tap-to-pay function by first using their card on a speed point or ATM.
If you have CASH:
- Purchase your daily, weekly, or monthly tickets at Cashless branded stores.
- Scan the QR Code on paper ticket or on your phone as you board the taxi.
- Enjoy the ride!
Taxi owners and drivers are paid out daily via EFT, and emergency funds can be accessed instantly through Payshap or CashSend.

More Than Just Transport

Going cashless opens doors to more business and income opportunities:

Access micro-loans, save, or reinvest in your taxi business
Create a digital footprint that helps you qualify for future business financing

Get On Board

Whether you're a commuter, driver, taxi owner, or merchant, now is the time to join the cashless movement:

Commuters: Buy your ticket or tap your card to ride.
Owners & Drivers: Register via the Waxd Owner or Driver app and start getting paid daily.
Merchants: Sign up to become a ticket agent and start earning with every sale.

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Cashless Taxis: The Future of Public Transport