Paratransit operations in Nairobi: development of their routes and termini

Abstract

Paper presented at the 30th Annual Southern African Transport Conference 11-14 July 2011 "Africa on the Move", CSIR International Convention Centre, Pretoria, South Africa.Efficient and effective operations of the paratransit public transport services such as Matatus as businesses in the city of Nairobi depends on availability of adequate termini and routes with sufficient facilities and management services. This study sought to find out whether the termini and routes in the city enabled efficient operations of matatus. It was found that there were 34 termini, a few of which were authorized while a large number were located on the streets and lacked basic facilities such as toilets and water. There was congestion of matatus at the termini and on the routes which increased their operating costs. To ensure efficient operations, the government should ensure transiting from low- to highoccupancy vehicles, concessioning of routes to well established operators and establishment of more termini on the city's outskirts.