Cheaper fares for Nairobi City residents as Madaraka Express begins inter-county train service

Guests arrive by SGR at the Mombasa terminus on July 20,2017 (PHOTO: Maarufu Mohamed,Standard]

NAIROBI, KENYA: Nairobi City residents travelling to neighbouring counties are set to enjoy cheaper fares after the launch of the inter-county train service today (Wednesday).

On Monday, the Kenya Railway Corporation announced the introduction of the train service that will make stops at seven county stations.

The train will stop at Athi River in Machakos County, Emali, Kibwezi, and Mtito Andei in Makueni County, Voi in Taita Taveta, Miasenyi on the border of Taita Taveta and Kwale counties, and Mariakani in Kilifi County.

Those travelling from Nairobi to Athi River will pay Sh50 while those travelling to Mtito Andei will pay Sh360 compared to Sh500 in buses.

Passengers travelling to Voi from Nairobi will pay Sh510 in the economy class, instead of about Sh1,000 by bus. The fare to Maisenyi will be Sh590 while those travelling to Mariakani will part with Sh600.

The introduction of the Madaraka Express comes about three months after the official launch of the standard gauge railway train operations between Nairobi and Mombasa. Passengers on that route pay Sh700 for economy class and Sh3,000 for first class.

The train can carry 1,200 passengers at a go, which is the same as the number of people transported by 20 buses.

City residents who spoke to Metropolitan welcomed the news, saying they were impatient to try out the service.

“The train will ease traffic congestion, especially on Mombasa road, since many people spend hours from the city centre to Athi River,” said Miriam Mwikali.

She said all the governor aspirants in the August 8 General Election had promised to deliver a light rail system, an efficient means of transport.

Jacob Kimigho, a trader in Voi and Nairobi, said that if the strict timelines are adhered to, he could use the train to commute to Nairobi on a daily basis.

Bus and matatu operators, however, expressed reservations about the new service, saying it would render them jobless.

“The train may kill matatu and bus business because it carries a lot of people and charges cheaper,” said Kennedy Mwangangi, a driver.

John Mwaura, whose vehicle plies the Nairobi-Machakos and Makueni-Kitui routes, called on the Government to initiate partnerships with matatu operators to cushion them against losses.