Skip to main content

Google launches NFC-enabled transit payment card in Kenya

Google launches NFC-enabled transit payment card in Kenya Google has launched Beba in Kenya, a pre-paid NFC (near field communication)-enabled card to allow cash-free payment of bus fares by transit travellers. According to TechMtaa, an African technology website, the move was expected, and is rolling out first in Nairobi. The card, which can be loaded with up the local equivalent of US$115, is likely attractive to customers, as it may help them dodge rising rates, or bus drivers that don’t provide exact or
June 11, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
1691 Google launches NFC-enabled transit payment card in Kenya
Google has launched Beba in Kenya, a pre-paid NFC (near field communication)-enabled card to allow cash-free payment of bus fares by transit travellers.

According to 5884 TechMtaa, an African technology website, the move was expected, and is rolling out first in Nairobi. The card, which can be loaded with up the local equivalent of US$115, is likely attractive to customers, as it may help them dodge rising rates, or bus drivers that don’t provide exact or proper change.

Google’s Beba website (%$Linker: External 0 0 0 oLinkExternal www.beba.co.ke beba false http://www.beba.co.ke/ false false%>) provides a complete review of payment history by users when they sign in, as the payment cards have been synced to a web app. By tapping the payment card on bus conductor’s NFC-enabled smartphone, the fare is immediately debited, and a receipt to indicate the present balance and the used fare is sent to travellers via SMS.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Traffic Technology targets driver distraction with SpeedWatch+
    March 19, 2018
    UK company Traffic Technology’s popular non-confrontational community speed watch device, SpeedWatch, is now able to target drivers’ distracted or dangerous driving behaviour, such as mobile phone use or failure of occupants to fasten seatbelts. The SpeedWatch+ interactive display wirelessly interfaces to the manned SpeedWatch radar system, while a tablet device enables trained members of the public to select appropriate messages which are sent to the display to warn violating motorists. A large aesthetic
  • Flir Certified System Engineer training
    April 20, 2016
    Flir’s new Certified System Engineer two-day course provides certified training on automatic incident detection and data collection solutions using Flir intelligent transportation systems visual and thermal detection systems. The interactive and hands-on training takes place in Ghent, Belgium on 14 and 15 June; topics covered include: The architecture and principles of thermal and visual detection; Camera selection and position; Safety and security in tunnels, on highways and bridges; Traffic data collec
  • Sensys ascends to the cloud
    May 22, 2012
    All of Sensys’ wireless sensors are now being shipped with capability for use with Cloud Connect – the company’s new data hosting service. Traffic engineers can monitor an entire region’s intersections without necessity for servers or software. The technology is claimed to have completely eliminated uncertainty or guesswork over whether signal control detection equipment is working properly. Cloud Connect provides data in real-time, so there is no reason to have broken inductive loops at intersections.
  • The bus is the future, says Swedish transport operator in its latest ad
    April 5, 2017
    Swedish public transport company Västtrafik has devised a different advertising campaign to encourage more car drivers to take the bus. The campaign film mimics the way the car industry advertises its new car launches, using buzzwords such as electric, sustainable, delegated driving, with dramatic music, lighting and quick cuts between images. In the end, however, a bus is revealed as the ‘mobility of the future’ with the offer of a free two-week test drive.