Nairobi Members of County Assembly (MCAs) have welcomed the move by Kenya Railways to introduce the commuter rail-linked bus service.
The MCAs say the move will help improve urban mobility and at the same time help solve the long-standing “last-mile” transport challenge.
The KR initiative is poised to seamlessly connect railway stations to key commercial and residential hubs across the city, giving an alternative to the conjested and chaotic public transport system.
Umoja One MCA Mark Mugambi has opined that traffic congestion on key roads leading to the Central Business District has immensely hurt growth and lowered the quality of life for residents.
“This kind of integration will serve as a smart and long-lasting intervention. I call upon all stakeholders and residents to support it," he saidKenya Railways has already rolled out commuter buses to link major rail stations with areas such as Westlands, Upper Hill, Yaya Centre, Embakasi and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
This move according to Kenya Railways Managing Philip Mainga will also make rail transport more convenient and attractive to daily commuters.
For years, residents have struggled to access workplaces and major destinations due to a lack of reliable connecting transport.
It is for this reason that the legislators are calling on Nairobi residents to embrace the initiative by opting for public transport over private cars, especially during peak hours, saying behavioural change is key to resolving the city’s traffic crisis.
They have called on government agencies to work closely with Kenya Railways to ensure proper traffic management, security and maintenance of the new service.
