Nairobi matatu owners support Governor Evans Kidero's plans to decongest the CBD

NAIROBI: The Matatu Owners Association (MOA) has supported calls for the introduction of the Bus rapid transit system (BRT) as a means of decongesting the city.

The Association said it was working closely with stakeholders in the sector so as to make the new system a success in the country.

MOA chairman Simon Kimutai said time was ripe that the issue of traffic snarl ups in Nairobi and other major towns to be addressed fully.

Kimutai said the system that has worked in various countries would come as a relief to hundreds of commuters who endured traffic snarl ups every day.

Nairobi Governor Dr Evans Kidero's administration has been grappling with how to decongest the city-proposing a raft of measures some which have been criticized by residents after a short trial.

The attempt to remove roundabouts in some section of roads in the city failed to work forcing the County Government to shelve the project.

Friday, Kumutai noted that the system that will be in place in the next two years will change the manner in which public transport is run in the country.

"We welcome calls for establishment of BRT and this will also help in bringing buses that carry passengers' in large numbers," he said.

Bus Rapid Transit is a high-quality bus-based transit system that delivers fast, comfortable, and cost-effective services at metro-level capacities.

He said the system works through the provision of dedicated lanes, with bus ways and iconic stations typically aligned to the center of the road, off-board fare collection, and fast and frequent operations.

Kimutai was speaking to the press during the association's annual National Governing Council meeting at Enashipai resort in Naivasha.

He said the sector continued to face various challenges adding that they were determined to change the manner in which public transport is managed in the country.

"This is a business like any other and if we introduce new measures in line with the law then we will be respected and carry our activities in a civilized manner," he said.

On corruption, the chairman said they were working on the introduction of technology that once effected will see the vice eliminated totally.

"We have been branded as a corrupt business but we are taking new measures including payment of fares through special cards as one way of fighting the vice," he said.

On her part the Chairperson of the Kenya vehicle manufacturers association Rita Kavashe lauded the BRT system saying it would help reduce traffic snarl ups in the city to great lengths.

"Though the system is expensive since we have to create new lanes for buses, it will come as a great relief to residents who endure traffic jams every day," she noted.

Others who spoke were Deputy Traffic commandant Pius Baraza who called on Kenyans to report any officer found to be engaging in corrupt activities.

"The culture of giving a bribe at every road block should end because we mount it is for the safety of all and we have dismissed officers found to be engaging in the activity," he said.