Leeto ticket office at Meropa to bridge accessibility gap
To aid Leeto la Polokwane's transition to a cashless environment, Meropa Casino committed R100 000 and non-cash prizes for a promotional campaign to boost the recently launched travel card roll-out.
POLOKWANE – Polokwane Mayor John Mpe says the new Leeto Ticket Sales Office at Meropa Casino and Entertainment World will set Polokwane apart as one of the forerunners in implementing an interoperable account-based ticketing fare collection system, marking a leap toward a cashless way of paying for travel.
The initiative was driven by the municipality’s commitment to progress as it strives towards achieving metropolitan status.
The municipality plans to establish the Leeto La Polokwane route, connecting to Meropa and other clusters and wards within the municipality.
“This dynamic partnership between Leeto La Polokwane and Meropa Casino will bridge the gap of accessibility of ticket sales for our commuters. We are steadfast in our pursuit of continuous improvement and innovation to ensure a well-organised and efficient transportation system that enhances the overall travel experience in Polokwane,” Mpe said at the opening of the office on August 30.
He added that the office will service over 70 000 Leeto la Polokwane users and establish a strategic alliance between the Polokwane Municpality and Meropa, an alliance that would have a lasting impact.
“This partnership is designed to bring communities in and around the City of Polokwane closer together, facilitating work, entertainment and leisure. It will contribute significantly to the city’s economic vibrancy and tourism attraction, making it easier for residents to access various activities, business to thrive, and visitors to experience our rich culture and entertainment.”
Sammy Mokhele, general manager of Meropa Casino and Entertainment World said over the past 21 years, Meropa Casino has contributed R1,22b in taxes, CSI initiatives and casino levies, and looks forward to future collaborations which will drive Polokwane closer to its Vision 2030 – Smart City.
“Leeto la Polokwane is the city’s initiative to create safe, reliable, accessible and affordable transport to its people, and the route extension to Meropa will give citizens and tourists easier access to one of Limpopo’s premiere destinations. It will also offer relief to our staff who can now use the bus route for their daily commute,” said Mokhele. The networked approach towards the expansion of the route will aid enterprise developments of both Meropa and the Polokwane community. Meropa has also invested R200 000 in operating equipment for about 26 Leeto buses to allow our Most Valued Guests (MVGs) to pay for bus fares using loyalty points.”
To aid Leeto la Polokwane’s transition to a cashless environment, Meropa Casino committed R100 000 and non-cash prizes for a promotional campaign to boost the recently launched travel card roll-out.
The casino will sponsor a holiday worth R10 000 to one lucky travel card holder, in December 2023. The holiday can be redeemed either at Meropa Casino or within the Sun International group, Sun City Resort, The Maslow Sandton or Time Square in Pretoria. Discounts will be offered to qualifying card holders at Meropa Casino as a bonus benefit.
“We hope these prizes will encourage the use of the Leeto travel card by incentivising existing Leeto customers, MVG loyalty card holders, employees and patrons attending shows at Meropa, ” concluded Mokhele.
