By Jamesetta D. Williams The National Transit Authority (NTA) is preparing to introduce a cashless payment system on its buses as part of efforts to improve transparency, reduce corruption and enhance the commuting experience for passengers. NTA Managing Director Edmund Forh said the institution’s technicians are currently working on the payment system, which is expected to be introduced soon. Forh said the system will help address concerns surrounding the collection of fares by drivers and conductors, including alleged manipulation of transportation charges. He explained that the cashless system is expected to reduce opportunities for corruption and prevent drivers and conductors from artificially increasing fares beyond the approved rates. The NTA Managing Director made the disclosure Thursday during an interview on OK FM in Monrovia.y At the same time, Forh said the NTA has completed testing its internet service, which is currently operational on buses traveling along the Monrovia-Ganta route. According to him, the service is being provided through Starlink Wi-Fi and is intended to allow passengers to remain connected while traveling. Forh said the internet service is part of the NTA’s broader effort to improve public transportation services and provide passengers with a more convenient commuting experience. He said the institution plans to expand the internet service to additional routes as the program progresses. Forh also disclosed that the NTA is working to expand its transportation services to other parts of Liberia. He said the expansion is being carried out while the authority continues to maintain affordable fares for passengers who depend on public transportation. The NTA Managing Director said the authority remains focused on making public transportation accessible, particularly for students and other low-income commuters. Forh highlighted the fare arrangement for students traveling from Red Light to destinations in Paynesville and Monrovia that are served by NTA buses. He said students are required to pay only LRD50 for the trip. The reduced fare, according to Forh, is intended to make transportation more affordable for students who rely on public buses to travel to school and other destinations. The NTA has in recent years been working to improve its services, including expanding routes and introducing technology aimed at improving the experience of passengers. With the planned cashless payment system and the expansion of internet services, the authority is seeking to combine improved transportation access with technology-driven services. Forh said the NTA will continue working to expand its operations while ensuring that fares remain affordable for the traveling public.