From Sunday, cashless transactions will be allowed in taxis in Abu Dhabi, a move initiated to provide safer travel experience to commuters in the backdrop of the pandemic. Cabs will accept cashless payments, even if passengers don’t have credit cards.
Fares can be paid by scanning a QR code displayed on the meter screen. The transaction will be confirmed by entering their password or face recognition in their smartphone. A notification will be sent to both the driver and the passenger about successful transactions.
Credit card users can add their cards to their PayBy account and authorise the transaction when paying taxi fares. Those who do not have credit cards can top up their PayBy wallets with bank cards online or cash at kiosks and pay through the app.
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The new mode of payment is the brainchild of PayBy, a fintech company, that has joined hands with the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, to offer secure and convenient payment options to customers.
“This new feature reinforces levels of passenger safety using taxis, and enhances the quality of services provided to passengers through minimising risks of contracting the virus under the current circumstances,” the ITC said in a statement.
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“This initiative fortifies efforts of the digital transformation process administered by ITC in collaboration with strategic stockholders, for the purpose of meeting consumer expectations and ensuring satisfaction through the use of e-purses.”
PayBy wants passengers to use the new mode of payment. For the same, it will also distribute limited-time payment vouchers to users on the app, which can be used to pay the fare. Taxi drivers will also be provided with payment success incentives to promote cashless payments. (AW)
