By Business Insider Reporter
The Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) and Tanzania Commercial Bank (TCB) have unveiled a new digital payment solution that promises to make train travel faster, simpler, and more convenient for thousands of passengers using the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).
Launched at the John Pombe Magufuli SGR Station in Dar es Salaam on October 10, 2025, the TRC Prepaid Card marks a major milestone in Tanzania’s push toward smart, cashless public transport.
The card, jointly developed by TRC and TCB, allows passengers to purchase tickets, deposit funds and make payments without queuing at ticket counters – ushering in a new era of seamless travel.
According to TRC’s Acting Director of Business Development, Fredrick Masawe, the initiative is part of a broader digital transformation strategy aimed at enhancing efficiency and passenger satisfaction.
“Our goal is to ensure passengers enjoy safety, reliability, and convenience from the moment they plan their journey,” he said. “This card will make that experience smoother and more efficient.”
The prepaid card enables users to load money at any SGR station, pay for their tickets instantly, and even withdraw funds later through Umoja Switch ATMs. This innovation is expected to significantly reduce congestion at stations, especially during peak travel periods, while supporting the government’s ongoing campaign to digitise public services.
TCB’s Acting Managing Director, Jema Msuya, noted that the card goes beyond train travel. “The TRC Prepaid Card can be used in restaurants, hotels, and other outlets that accept electronic payments,” he explained. “It’s more than a train ticket – it’s a versatile financial tool that rewards customers for using it.”
Cardholders will earn loyalty points based on their spending and can manage their accounts through all mobile networks or the TCB Mobile App, ensuring accessibility even in remote areas.
Both institutions believe the card will transform how Tanzanians interact with the national railway system. For TRC, it reflects a commitment to adopting modern payment systems that align with international transport standards. For TCB, it represents a strategic partnership that supports the digital economy and financial inclusion agenda.
As Tanzania continues to expand its SGR network to link major cities and neighbouring countries, innovations like the TRC Prepaid Card are expected to make rail travel not only faster and safer but also smarter. By combining financial technology with modern infrastructure, TRC and TCB are paving the way for a more connected and efficient transport future – one tap at a time.
