Only 2 Matatus to be Picking Passengers in CBD

The Nairobi County Government and matatu stakeholders have reportedly agreed on a proposal to have only two matatus at a time, picking and dropping passengers inside the Central Business District (CBD).

The meeting led by Nairobi Deputy Governor Jonathan Mueke resolved that while two matatus head to pick passengers in town, the rest will remain at waiting points outside the CBD.

Among the areas suggested to be used as waiting terminus are Muthurwa, Globe roundabout and Ngara.

“This measure is aimed at easing congestion as others line and wait for their turn. It will also ensure that every matatu has a shot at entering the CBD indiscriminately,” Mueke said.

The meeting attended by officials from the Matatu Owners Association, Matatu Welfare Association and National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) came to this agreement after PSV operators threatened to go on strike following Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero's threat to remove all matatus from the city centre.

Kidero had ordered the cancellation of parking licenses of all public service vehicles within the CBD. Mueke announced that a new committee, Nairobi Metropolitan Transport Authority (NaMETA), would be formed to oversee implementation of the new policies.

Mr Mueke also stated that they would be verifying parking permits as most vehicles are operating using fake permits. He also said there were plans to build a new terminus outside the CBD to help in the de-congestion process.

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