By: Saidu Jalloh
In a significant step toward modernizing public transportation and curbing financial irregularities, Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Transport and Aviation has announced the launch of a cashless payment system for the Waka Fine Buses. The system is set to go into effect next month.
The announcement was made during the government’s weekly press briefing at the Miatta Conference Centre, Youyi Building. Deputy Minister of Transport and Aviation, Rex Bonapha, described the initiative as a key milestone in promoting efficiency, transparency, and digital innovation in the public transport sector.
According to Bonapha, the Ministry is working in close partnership with Metro Transport Company Limited (MTCL) the private operator of the Waka Fine Buses to equip all buses with digital payment machines. He explained that the goal is to reduce physical cash handling and eliminate recurring issues such as conductors withholding change from passengers.
“The Waka Fine Buses were introduced to ease daily transportation for thousands of Sierra Leoneans commuting to the Central Business District,” Bonapha said. “With this system, we aim to provide more comfort, speed, and accountability.”
Bonapha clarified that the Waka Fine Buses are not directly owned by the government, but operated by MTCL, a consortium of various transport stakeholders. The cashless system is a component of the World Bank-funded Integrated