Super Metro seeks to revolutionise Nairobi's public transport system by introducing electric buses to complement their diesel-powered PSVs.
Plans to launch electric buses followed a successful trial with BasiGo, a Kenyan electric bus company.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Super Metro Sacco chairperson, Nelson Mwangi Nduki, noted that the matatu company had ordered 10 electric buses.
The electric-powered matatu would start ferrying passengers in different Nairobi routes starting January 2023.
Unlike their diesel-powered matatus, the new electric buses will be fitted with features that allow commuters to track their real-time movement.
"We have actually ordered for 10 electric buses. Some are set to arrive in December and start operating in January," Mwangi told Kenyans.co.ke.
"The new electric buses will be branded with Super Metro colours," he added.
He noted that the plan to launch electric buses to complement their fleet plying different routes would require infrastructure upgrades, including installing charging stations.
"We wanted to know the distance BasiGo can cover and its suitability on Kenyan roads. The challenge is that they do not have enough charging points, yet," he stated.
Features of Electric buses
Other than being trackable, the buses are touted to be reliable and less costly than diesel-powered ones to operate.
They will also have a premium passenger coach with synthetic leather seats, a silent drive, a television set, WiFi, and charging points.
Super Metro would also help the country tackle climate change since the new buses will have zero emissions.
