Touch ‘n Go eWallet powers cashless payments for taxi rides

• Currently, almost 4,000 EzCab and independent taxi drivers have been equipped
• Touch ‘n Go eWallet is expected to QR-enable 10,000 taxis by year end

TNG Digital Sdn Bhd announced a strategic partnership on Nov 1, enabling EzCab and Public Cab taxi drivers to accept cashless payments via the Touch ‘n Go eWallet.

Themed #JomTeksi, this foray into the taxi category by TNG Digital will enable taxi drivers to embrace cashless payment and empower them to remain competitive alongside ride-hailing services in Malaysia.

The QR code payment system powered by Touch ‘n Go eWallet only requires passengers to scan the driver’s code for payment of fares. As a result, taxi drivers do not have to install any kind of terminal or hardware in their vehicles.

Speaking at the launch event, Malaysian Minister of Transport Anthony Loke said, “The transportation industry has seen significant changes in recent times with the development of mobile applications for bus and train rides, as well as the rise of ride-hailing and car-sharing application platforms.  

“I applaud TNG Digital for taking a step forward to help our taxi drivers innovate in this digital age to ensure street-hailing remains customer-friendly and competitive. The QR-enablement by Touch ‘n Go eWallet for registered taxis in Malaysia will modernise taxi drivers and enable them to offer convenient and safe payment option for commuters. I urge taxi drivers nationwide to adopt this cashless payment channel moving forward.”

Currently, almost 4,000 EzCab and independent taxi drivers are equipped with the QR payment method. The Touch ‘n Go eWallet is expected to QR-enable 10,000 taxis by year end.

“As champions of urban mobility and enablers of a cashless society, our role is always about making transit experience more accessible, seamless, and safe for our users. This latest offering QR Code for taxis on our Touch ‘n Go eWallet is part of our on-going pursuit to provide more innovative, and convenient options for our users.  

“Passengers can now enjoy the benefit of not having to worry about having sufficient cash for payments, while taxi drivers are able to digitise their operations to keep up with changing consumer demands.

“We want to convert the 67,000 registered taxis nationwide to QR payments with the Touch ‘n Go eWallet by the end of 2019 and help them become part of our growing merchant ecosystem. This partnership with EzCab and Public Cab, is a first of a series of collaboration to introduce digital solutions designed to empower taxis drivers by incorporating their feedback as we move towards a cashless society,” said TNG Digital chief executive officer Syahrunizam Samsudin.

The Touch ‘n Go eWallet has also introduced a cashless referral programme to encourage the adoption of QR payments amongst taxi drivers and users. Each taxi driver will receive 100 Touch ‘n Go eWallet reload PINs worth RM8 each to be distributed to their passengers. In return, taxi drivers will then receive an incentive of RM4 for each passenger who utilises the reload PINs. (Only applicable for new or first time Touch ‘n Go eWallet users).

In addition to this, EzCab is giving out special promo codes worth RM2, exclusively for first time users of the Touch ‘n Go eWallet: EZTNGD2. These promo codes are valid from Nov 1 to 5 and are limited to first 500 redemptions daily.

“Taxi drivers are pioneers of door-to-door mobility and through the Touch ‘n Go eWallet, we are thrilled to support the taxi industry. This is more than just a payment solution, with the roll-out of this secure and convenient cashless payment platform, we want to help taxi drivers increase their customer base and tap digital savvy users. The transparent and fuss-free payment method will inevitably improve user transit experience, and make street-hailing a viable choice for passengers”, added Syahrunizam.  

“Technology has made it necessary for us to embrace new business models to improve our services, and we are excited to be able to help taxi drivers through this partnership with TNG Digital. The QR-enabled payment method through the Touch ‘n Go eWallet gives our taxi drivers a competitive edge to sustain their livelihood,” said EzCab chief executive officer Raymond Yap.