After a series of confusion on plans to remove matatus from the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD), the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) has now opted for a new strategy that will solve the mess.
According to the latest strategy, NMS says it will now run two-phased trial test ahead of the operationalisation of the Green Park bus terminus which is scheduled for opening at the end of June.
The two-phased trial will start on Wednesday, June 22, at 5am. The trial will inform NMS plans to effectively remove matatus from CBD.
To address the confusion that was experienced forcing the suspension of the decongestion plan, NMS will bring on board reinforcement officers who will be tasked with manning different routes within the city and near the terminus.
The officers will be tasked with ensuring the seamless flow of traffic within the city and thus help in removing matatu operators from the CBD.
The officers will also collaborate with PSV operators and commuters to ensure smooth movement at alighting points.
"We will start the operation of the Green Park Terminus this month in two phases. These phases will be trial runs and all vehicles in the Railway Station will operate on a trial basis," stated NMS Director of Transport and Public Works, Michael Ochieng.
"Our teams will position themselves at the correct points within the CBD to do the rehearsal. We expect that there should be seamless flow both to the customers and to the operators."
The Green Park terminus will accommodate Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) currently using the Nairobi Railway Station stage. They include matatus plying Ngong, Kibera, Rongai, and Dagoretti.
Those using Mombasa Road will terminate at a new terminus which is situated at the junction of Bunyala and Workshop roads.
The Muthurwa terminus is expected to remain as it serves PSVs from Jogoo and Lusaka roads.
The new plan will also incorporate the introduction of buses by Kenya Railways which will be used to ferry passengers from their termination point to other places within the CBD.
According to Ochieng, the new strategy is being developed in conjunction with other stakeholders in the field including matatu owners and operators.
