Published on 19/09/2008
By Morton Saulo

A new bus service (Smart Bus) will be launched next month, Nairobi Metropolitan Minister has said.

Mr Mutula Kilonzo confirmed to The Standard that the new buses expected to ease traffic congestion, were in the final stages of preparation.

“I have inspected the Smart buses. They will have a carrying capacity of 130,” the minister said.

Mutula said the metropolis would have a public serve lane to ensure efficiency of the buses within the metropolis.

He added, “An alternative to seat belts, is to give residents a bus in which passengers can hang onto a harness to create space and manage speed.”

Charges will be made through a swipe card similar to an ATM. Its introduction is expected to reduce matatu in Nairobi.

Another change expected in the Central Business District is the phasing out of the parking slots on city streets by December.

Junctions similar to those in western countries will replace roundabouts.