Complaints have emerged over the Ksh100 flat rate charges proposed by the Kenya Railways Corporation on the new Nairobi Commuter Trains.
This comes after the corporation released the official schedule with fare charges for the newly launched trains on Sunday, November 15.
The schedule revealed that the ride on the Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) stands at Ksh100 for each destination on the schedule.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, a Kenya Railways representative revealed that a committee decided on the new fares.
"There is a committee that decided on the fares, and they settled on the Ksh100 flat rate charge on every destination.
"The customer has a freedom of choice, if the matatu is cheaper they can choose that option, in SGR we have First Class for Ksh3,000 and the Economy, and you find some people never use the economy, so its an option," said the representative.
Kenyans most of whom had gotten accustomed to paying Ksh40 for short distances complained that the new fares were unrealistic and exploitative.
"So, if I board the train from Syokimau and alight at Imara Daima, I pay Ksh100. l better use a taxi. Train services should be for the poor, but when the rich are busy trying to generate money," noted Dennis Norienga.
"The 100 will push away the very people you are trying to serve. I have used the trains and they are good, but please have a look at the fares. You better increase the frequency, but not triple the fare," said Sammy Mungai.
Most of the complains lodged against Kenya Railways for their fare prices were from commuters plying Mombasa road.
"Why pay Ksh100 to Nairobi from Syokimau, yet I can pay Ksh20 to General Motors (GM) then Ksh40 to town. There is also no social distancing in the trains," said a commuter.
"Economies of scales must be an alien term to KR management. Flat rate the whole commuter thing, make it cheap and reasonable to move guys from using matatus. Before this idea sinks to there skulls it will be too late," explained Gabriel.
Some wanted Kenya Railways to maintain the fares charged by the old train.
