Nairobi matatus are planning to engage the government and other stakeholders on how to protect the sector from incurring extra expenses amid hiked fuel prices.
However, prior to the meeting, the PSVs hatched measures to cushion commuters from fare hikes which were effected by their long-distance counterparts.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Branden Marshall, disclosed that the PSVs first scrapped off-peak hours to maintain fares throughout the day.
Branden is a traffic coordinator and member of the Association of Matatu Operators (AMO).
Scrap Off-Peak Hours
Through off-peak hours, matatu Saccos allow their customers to pay fares on offers. For example, for a distance where fares usually cost Ksh100, matatus charge from as low as Ksh30 to Ksh50.
Peak hours usually range from 10 am to 1 pm. Rather than increasing fares, matatus thus maintain Ksh100 from 6 am to 8 pm.
“The matatu industry is diverse. You can lose customers by increasing fares without consultation. We all thus resort to working at a flat rate,” Branden explained.
Reduce Sacco Levies
He added that a discussion on reducing the money paid to Sacco management was also mooted as an alternative to cushioning customers.
“This is subject to discussion. If we manage to lower the amount we pay, then we can spend the savings on purchasing fuel. We are currently filling a tank between Ksh300 to Ksh400 depending on the engine capacity of the car,” the AMO member added.
Influx of Commuters
Branden further noted that the number of commuters had increased after the government expunged fuel subsidies which saw fuel prices rise to a record high.
In Nairobi, petrol, diesel and kerosene currently trade at Ksh179, Ksh165 and Ksh144.79 after the review by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) dated Wednesday, September 14.
The majority of the new commuters were said to be private motorists who dumped their cars to save fuel.
“This can be attributed as one of the reasons why we have not increased fares. There are long queues and less traffic during rush hours. Buses thus make multiple trips during this period.
“Most of the private drivers opt for public vehicles while heading to or leaving work,” Branden explained.
Meeting Ruto
The Association of Matatu Operators (AMO) detailed that it would be hard to meet President William Ruto as there exist structures and protocols that ought to be followed.
“We cannot bypass the hierarchy to hold discussions with the President. We have to exhaust all existing communication channels.
“However, the President can expedite the process by appointing a Transport CS through whom we can present our issues. We are, nonetheless, hopeful of the situation deescalating soon,” Branden prayed.
Long Distance Fares Increased
Travellers heading to Nyanza and Western Kenya were among those affected by fare adjustments. A number of buses plying the route increased the fares from Ksh1,200 to Ksh1,400.
Mt Kenya long distance vehicles also increased their fares by 30 per cent.
