Cabinet Backs Contactless Payment Card for Bus Services

The Mauritian Cabinet has approved sweeping reforms to the island nation’s bus services, including the introduction of a new contactless payment card system, similar to that used for the Metro, and the drafting of a comprehensive Bus Services Bill.

The move, described by the Minister of Land Transport, Osman Mahomed, as part of a bid to modernise public transport and improve service quality for users, signals a significant technological upgrade for the sector.

In addition to the cashless payment system, the reforms will bring a host of new features aimed at enhancing the commuter experience. These include:

• GPS tracking and video surveillance on buses.
• The installation of digital displays at bus stops to show estimated bus arrival times.
• The launch of a dedicated mobile application.

New Bill to Professionalise Sector

The Council of Ministers has given the green light for the Ministry of Land Transport to instruct the Attorney General’s office to draft the Bus Services Bill.

This key piece of legislation is designed to “modernise, structure, and professionalise public transport.”

The Bill will lay out new obligations for transport operators, aiming to increase transparency and strengthen on-board security.

Furthermore, it intends to improve the supervision of schedules and routes, ensuring greater service regularity and better coordination between bus lines.

Driving Sustainable Mobility

This initiative aligns with the government’s broader vision of promoting an integrated, safe, accessible, and technologically advanced public transport network.

The ultimate goal is to reduce reliance on private cars, encourage sustainable mobility, and alleviate road congestion.

Source: Defi Media