Matatu users will soon be required to use an app that will help commuting easier.
In case you’re wondering how life will be when matatus will no longer be allowed in the business district then maybe this will give you an idea. Going digital is the best way to go in this ever evolving modern society and it seems Nairobi Metropolitan services will be joining the digital bandwagon with their new app called Green Park Terminus.
In theory, the mobile app lets customers:
- See which vehicle is available from wherever you are
- Select your preferred seat and book according to the time you wish to travel.
What does the app entail?
Currently the company has over 170 buses and 46,000 commuters daily which is quite a large number. Their plan is to integrate all the buses on the app plus the commuters involved.
“This system keeps you informed and, when you have information, you make correct decisions. Especially at what time you are planning to do your business, what time to leave your office, when you go home and so on. That is what we want to integrate.” says Mr Ochieng’.
“With this system, we are able to get real-time data of the number of buses at the stage and those on the road. Passengers can see from the app those available for booking,” he explains.
“They will know it from an app on their phone…that from their route, only five or six vehicles (for example) should come into town. So it will be regulated,” NMS Director of Transport, Engineer Michael Ochieng explained.
The new development is part of the ongoing plans to relocate public service vehicles (PSVs) from the CBD. Mr Ochieng’ says that the bus rapid transport (BRT) vehicles will be available for passengers who will prefer not to walk from the termini to the city centre and vice-versa.
