Buying a card, registering it and topping up before travelling can make everyday journeys easier. Following our earlier article, Tap&Go and the myth that surrounds it, this updated guide answers common questions about using Tap&Go in Kigali and for upcountry travel.
What is Tap&Go?
Tap&Go is AC Mobility’s public transport payment and ticketing service. In Kigali, passengers load money onto a card and tap it on a bus validator to pay their fare.
How much does a card cost, and where can I buy one?
A Tap&Go card costs RWF 1,000 and comes with a zero balance. You must top it up separately before travelling.
You can buy one from our brand ambassadors at five bus parks in Kigali: Nyabugogo, Downtown, Kimironko, Kabuga and Nyanza.
How do I register my card?
Complete registration with a brand ambassador at one of the five bus parks, then dial *532# and follow the registration prompts.
Completing both steps helps us trace your card’s records when a swap is needed. USSD registration also saves your card identifier for future top-ups, reducing repeated entry and the risk of paying into the wrong card.
Which part of the card number should I use?
Use the final eight characters after the last hyphen. These contain numbers and letters and uniquely identify your card.
For example, on a card marked 111808-00913161-B7377B62, your identifier is B7377B62. Keep a photograph or written record of it for top-ups and card swaps.
What if the printed characters have worn off?
Take your card to an authorised Tap&Go agent. The agent can help you retrieve its identifier.
How can I top up, and what are the limits?
You can top up through an authorised agent, the Tap&Go app or MTN Mobile Money by dialling *532# and following the prompts.
The minimum top-up amount is RWF 100, and the maximum is RWF 50,000. Check your card identifier and the amount before confirming payment.
When should I top up before travelling?
For USSD top-ups, we recommend allowing 15 to 30 minutes before your journey to help avoid delays.
Keep your payment confirmation. If money has been deducted but the top-up has not appeared, contact customer support with your card identifier and transaction details. If you top up through an agent, confirm the amount loaded and your updated balance before leaving.
What should I do if my card is lost, stolen or stops working?
Request a card swap at AC Mobility’s headquarters in Nyarutarama. After verification, the remaining balance can be transferred to a replacement card.
Bring your identification document, the final eight characters of your old card identifier and RWF 1,000 for the replacement.
How does Tap&Go support upcountry travel?
Tap&Go works with approximately 90% of upcountry bus companies, providing digital ticketing, reporting and reconciliation services. These help operators record ticket sales, monitor revenue and manage their transaction records.
Passengers can use the Tap&Go app to book tickets with participating companies. Check availability for your chosen route and operator before travelling.
What are the benefits of using Tap&Go?
Tap&Go makes fare payment convenient and allows passengers to set aside money for transport. Its agent, USSD and app channels offer different ways to top up, while the card swap service helps passengers recover their remaining balance after verification.
For bus operators, digital transaction records support clearer revenue monitoring and operational planning.
Where can I get help?
Call 6655 or 0780 139 126 for assistance with Tap&Go services.
AC Mobility builds the systems behind connected public transport across Rwanda.
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