Construction of BRT system on Thika Road on course – PS Hinga
If you have been on Thika Road of late, chances are you have seen some construction work below footbridges.
Well, that is the much-anticipated Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project by the Government of Kenya.
According to the State Department of Housing and Urban Development Principal Secretary Charles Hinga, the construction of the expressway way for passenger buses is quite on course.
"Finally a bit of an update on the much anticipated inception BRT project on Thika road. We are making good progress. Fabrication of stations is ongoing, park and ride facilities, bus depots, command centre all under construction. Electric buses will be procured via a public private partnership (PPP)," the PS said on Twitter on Monday.
Asked why electric buses, Hinga said: "Overall electric buses will be cheaper to operate, will attract cheaper financing, and will reduce our carbon footprint amongst other reasons."
The stations under construction have taken into consideration people living with disabilities.
"The stations have taken care of everyone. There is a ramp to get to the top of the footbridge and a special lift to take wheelchairs down or up the station. In other words there is universal access," he said.
Other routes expected to have BRT system are Mombasa Road, Outering Road, Waiyaki Way and Jogoo Road.
"Inception phase goes to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). There are five corridors designated for Mass Rapid Transport. We do not have the resources to implement all of them at the same time but in the fullness of time they will be done," Hinga stated.
