A rift between matatu operators and the county government in Nairobi is causing significant delays in the opening of the Green Park bus terminus. Edwin Mukabana, Chairman of the Federation of Public Transport Sector, stated that the operators have rejected using the new station due to disagreements over operational procedures, including fare charges and safety measures.
One of the main points of contention is the variation in fares at the Green Park terminal, with prices being higher than those in the Central Business District (CBD). This discrepancy has left passengers feeling disadvantaged, as they have to pay more to use the facility. Additionally, concerns have been raised regarding the safety of passengers at Green Park, as there is a lack of screening procedures and CCTV surveillance compared to the CBD.
Furthermore, accessing services at the Green Park terminus has proven to be challenging for passengers, as they have to walk long distances from different parts of the city to reach the facility. This not only leads to increased travel time and expenses but also hinders convenient connectivity for passengers heading to various destinations within Nairobi. Despite its capacity to accommodate hundreds of vehicles and manage a high volume of PSVs daily, operationalizing the terminus has been marred by these disagreements between stakeholders.
The terminus's strict regulations, such as prohibiting touting and enforcing a 20-minute limit for matatus within the stage, aim to improve order and efficiency. The requirement for all staff members to have proper identification and uniforms, as well as the designated pick-up and drop-off points, indicates an organized approach to public transport management. Once fully operational, the Green Park bus terminal is set to cater to matatus serving a wide range of areas in Nairobi, providing a central point for commuter services across the city.