Zanzibar eyes mordenised taxi with planned digital fare system 

Unguja. Zanzibar is taking steps to modernise its taxi industry through the planned introduction of a digital fare payment and metering system aimed at enhancing transparency, efficiency and convenience for both residents and visitors.

The initiative is being spearheaded by the Zanzibar Revenue Authority (ZRA), the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism (ZCT) and other key stakeholders, who are working together to establish standardised taxi fare structures across the islands.

The proposed system will see taxis equipped with digital meters and electronic payment facilities, a move expected to address long-standing concerns over inconsistent pricing and improve accountability within the transport sector.

According to officials, the project forms part of broader efforts to strengthen tourism-supporting infrastructure while ensuring that transport services meet the expectations of a growing number of local and international travellers.

The digital platform is also expected to improve revenue collection and tax compliance, while providing authorities with better tools for monitoring operations within the sector.

Stakeholders involved in the discussions say the initiative aligns with Zanzibar’s wider development agenda, which seeks to leverage technology to improve service delivery and create a more business-friendly environment.

Officials noted that the planned reforms are not only intended to enhance passenger confidence but also to support taxi operators through a more organised and predictable operating framework.

Once implemented, the system will allow passengers to view fares based on distance travelled and time spent on a journey, reducing disputes and promoting fairness in fare calculation.

The proposed changes are expected to benefit tourism players, transport operators and travellers alike, while contributing to Zanzibar’s ambition of becoming a leading tourist destination offering reliable and modern transport services.