Most public service vehicles on various routes in Nairobi did not implement the new cashless fare system Monday. Matatu operators and passengers interviewed at various bus stations within the city said the roll-out should have been done gradually to enable all commuters to acquire the cards.
Some lauded the efforts by the Transport ministry while others said the system will not be effective in the rural areas, especially for the old people. Sarah Wanaga, a Nairobi student, said she had already acquired the card but did not use it Monday. "I got the card to avoid the last-minute rush but I have boarded a matatu and everything seems to be normal on the road," Ms Wanaga said. The payment system was initially meant to kick off in July this year but was extended to Monday.
According to a Kenya Bus manager, the people should have been educated on the benefits of the cashless system and how to use it before being rolled out. The manager, who declined to be identified, said passengers were not versed with what they are required to do with the cards. Most commuters who rely on the public transport system were not aware that they should have had the cards by Monday. Hassan Farah, a Nairobi resident living in Pangani, lauded the efforts to have the cashless system in place, though he had not prepared for one. Matatu operators were reluctant to adopt the system for fear of losing jobs.
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