Test run by NMS at Green Park Terminus signals actualisation of city matatu ban
Nairobi Metropolitan Service (NMS) yesterday conducted a test-run at the Green Park Terminus in a bid to iron out issues before it is fully operational.
The exercise was conducted early in the morning between 6:00 am in the morning and 9:00am.
In the exercise, NMS was keen to see how passengers will connect to Central Business District (CBD) once it has been opened next month.
“We are here to access how this terminus will be working once opened. We have noted some challenges which we will address before we open it next month,” NMS Director of Roads Engineer Michael Ochieng.
Police were installed along the Bunyala Road the roundabout where all Public Service Vehicles (PSV) were diverted to Professional way into the terminus.
Only private cars were permitted to use Uhuru Highway to join Haile Sellasie.
Inside the terminus, matatus were only allowed to drop off commuters as they exit.
PSV diversion
The Nairobi Commuter Buses were available for the physically challenged, expectant mothers and those with small children free of charge.
However, most of the passengers expressed dissatisfaction with the plan where majority complained that NMS had not put enough measures to address their plight.
“ The government is trying but it would have done it better if they did a serious campaign and informed Kenyans about this park. The exercise caught us by surprise.
The most worrying thing is that this place is also far from being completed,” complained Moses Maina a resident of Langata.
Others said that terminus was more of a punishment to them, as they had to walk for long distances.
I work in Ngara, I will have to walk all the way to Khoja to get a vehicle. Let them address this first,” complained Maureen Wanjiru.
On their part, PSV drivers complained of the huge traffic snarl-up within the city.
“ This plan is good but traffic still remains to be a big issue for us. They should come with an elaborate plan to address this,” complained Kelvin Momanyi a driver working south b Sacco.
All PSVs that operate from the Nairobi railway station stage will be dropping passengers at the terminal upon its completion.
