Yes, remove cash from public transport

One reason the expanding Kenyan middle class continues to brave the horrendous traffic jams in Nairobi to go to work using their cars is the chaotic nature of the matatu industry.

The majority of city residents, however, have to contend with an unreliability public transport system dominated by matatus that are infamous for arbitrary fare hikes, uncertain pick-up and drop-off points, abusive crew, loud music and insecurity, among other ills.

Driven dangerously by drivers who seem a law unto themselves, the matatus have over the decades defined Kenya’s public transport system and have become one hell of an industry to tame.

From the tough Michuki Rules to countless regulations by the Ministry of Transport, the sector has defied attempts to control it, as Kenyans, traumatised by deaths on our roads and insecurity associated with thesector, cry out for sanity. Given a choice, majority of those who use their cars to go to work would leave them at home on weekdays, and probably use them only during the weekends, if Nairobi had a safe and reliable transport system. High fuel costs, rising parking fees and security of vehicles are headaches they would rather not worry about.

It is estimated that the city loses Sh50 million daily in traffic jams through lost productivity, including fuel wasted on the road and lost man-hours.

With a population of about 3.1 million residents and some 700,000 cars, using largely the same infrastructure set up decades ago, the traffic jams will continue clogging the once famous ‘green city in the sun’. Infrastructure and traffic management are calling for a major overhaul to keep the city moving.

We, therefore, commend the Ministry of Transport and the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) for their efforts to restore sanity in the matatu sector. The latest innovative measure is the introduction of a cashless payment system in all Public Service Vehicles (PSVs).

The dates for the implementation of this system have been staggered, starting with Nairobi on Tuesday, July 1. The ‘cashless matatu’ system is already working well in various routes in the city, and the uptake of the new technology is expected to increase rapidly when reality of penalties for non-compliance sets in.

There are those who think the system in not workable. But that is the same mentality Kenyans had when the no-nonsense Transport Minister John Michuki came up with rules prohibiting standing in matatus, insisted on seat belts and unform for mataty crews, and managed to enforce authorised passengers for the matatus to 14 only.

The introduction of the electronic system of paying matatu/bus fare from next week will help address many of the challenges bedeviling the matatu industry. By paying fares using cards, the matatu crews will have no access to money, hence will have nothing with which to bribe their way out when traffic police flag them down for flouting traffic rules.

Corruption will be dealt a huge blow and the officers encouraged to do their work dutifully without the temptation to demand bribes. The matatu industry, estimated to be worth Sh200 billion, will easily be included in the tax bracket, meaning additional revenue for the Government.

The matatu owners will also now get real returns from their investment, since there will be little room for theft or mismanagement. Cartels that collect unspecified ‘fees’ from matatus will be dealt a major blow.

However, as with all new systems, there are concerns from passengers, matatu owners and the matatu crews on the use of the electronic cards.

The authorities and matatu operators must address issues such as the limited number of service providers, service points and lack of knowledge among passengers. Passengers without mobile phones or bank accounts should also be provided with an alternative mode of payment.

There are also students who form a huge number of passengers, especially in city matatus. Could there be a special consideration for them, and other frequent travelers? There will also be instances where passengers may demand a refund when a journey is terminated prematurely. Has that been factored in?

Finally, a smooth transport system is all city residents, and indeed all Kenyans, are crying out for. Therefore, let chaos and confusion not mar the introduction of the electronic cards.