Public Service and Youth Cabinet Secretary Margaret Kobia has announced plans to introduce 50 more National Youth Service (NYS) commuter buses in the city.

“The National Treasury has agreed to procure several buses to help stabilise commuter fares, decongest the city traffic and restore discipline in the PSV sector,” she said.

According to Kobia, who was addressing a Senate Roads Committee the buses, the decision to increase the buses from the recently unveiled fleet of 24, is formed by the need to reduce fares and ease traffic congestion in the city.

“We are concerned about the congestion of people at stages. We are charging Sh20 per commuter regardless of the distance because we need Nairobians to spend less on transport and to be left with some money to improve their quality of living.”

The buses will be distributed in different routes and Fares in the NYS buses will be pegged at Sh20 regardless of the distance.

Matatu owners have however fought the introduction of the NYS commuter buses saying they will bring unfair competition and have vowed to frustrate their operations until they fail.

Matatu Owners Association chairman Simon Kimutai, Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet and The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA)  director general Francis Meja also appeared before the House team to present their views on the matter.

Francis Meja told the committee that they are working to have lanes designated for public service vehicles and that NTSA has given NYS a three-month license to operate on city roads as it tests its plan.

PARKING FEES TO GO DOWN

Nairobi county residents could soon be paying less parking if the County Assembly amends the Finance Bill.

According to City Hall, if the Bill is amended parking fees will be reduced to Sh 200 down from the current Sh 300 city motorists pay.

The perennial parking lot shortages could also be a thing of the past if the county government’s plan to increase the number of parking spaces from 12,000 to 20,000 in a year’s time is anything to go by.

According to Governor Mike Sonko, the increment of parking spaces will increase revenue collection from parking fees.