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Commuters To Use Digital Platform To Get A Ride At New Matatu Stages
Nairobi Metropolitan Service (NMS) is set to introduce a digital platform that commuters will use for rides to and from new matatu stages.
According to NMS Director of Transport and Public Works Michael Ochieng, the new development is part of the ongoing plans to relocate public service vehicles (PSVs) from the CBD.
He said that the electronic system will keep matatu users know where their respective buses will be at the different pick up stages. It will also keep matatu operators informed.
“This system keeps you informed and, when you have information, you make correct decisions on what time you are planning to do your business, what time to leave your office, when to you go home and so on. That is what we want to integrate,” said Ochieng.
The bus rapid transport (BRT) vehicles will be picking passenger from the terminuses to the Central Business District (CBD) and vice-versa.
Ochieng also stated that PSVs will still be allowed to ferry access the CBD for the foreseeable future until such a time when everything is ready for the implementation of the decongestion strategy.
He added that the date to ban matatus from accessing the CBD will be announced after the project is done and rehearsed with the matatu operators.
According to him, the Green Park terminus, which is the drop-off and pick-up point for matatus plying Ngong Road and Lang’ata Road routes, will be ready for use in two weeks.
It has taken us about a month to complete 80 per cent of Green Park, so for the remaining bit, we may be through in two weeks,” said the NMS transport director.
The others are Muthurwa, Fig Tree, Desai, Park Road, Workshop Road and another one along Bunyala Road.
The NMS director added that the bus stages will strictly be for picking up and dropping passengers with a clear routine to avoid traffic and congestion.
“The terminuses will not be parking space. They will act as pick up and drop off points with each vehicle having five minutes to drop and another five to pick up passengers,” he added.