The Super Metro bus company confirmed withdrawing the 63-seater executive coaches from the Nairobi-Kakamega route.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke on Tuesday, December 13, Long Distance Coordinator Daniel Nyarunda explained that high operation costs necessitated the move.
"Yes, we have withdrawn the buses. Our prices were not as competitive (Ksh1,200) as that of our rivals (Ksh800), and lowering the costs further would only cause loss," Nyarunda intimated.
He clarified that the withdrawal would only be short-term, confirming that the shuttles plying the route would still be in operation.
"All shuttles will continue on the route as usual. That notwithstanding, we are bringing in other buses in a restructuring plan that would enable us to conduct sustainable business," Nyarunda reaffirmed.
Meanwhile, the manager disclosed that Super Metro redirected the buses to a new international route.
"The two buses will now ply the Nairobi-Kisumu-Kampala route through Maseno and Luanda. Last week, we had our maiden trip which was successful," he intimated.
Before the withdrawal from the Kakamega route, the bus company had reduced the number of daily trips from two to one night.
On the other hand, the bus company has continued to expand its short-distance business within the Nairobi Metropolitan region.
The new routes introduced included Ngong- Kitengela through the Southern bypass, Ngong -Westlands and Malaa-Westlands.
On November 26, Sacco Chairperson Nelson Mwangi unveiled electric buses to complement their diesel-powered fleet of 33-seater minibuses.
The electric buses were launched on a pilot programme across different routes and would be fully operational from January 2023.
