The country bus station in Nairobi was once a reputable place and one of the busiest, most vibrant terminal in the city hence the nickname ‘airport’.
It has, however, become irrelevant of its former self, forcing bus and shuttle companies as well as travellers to find alternatives.
The rising insecurity and harassment by rogue crews and all-around disorganisation at country bus have taken over the station.
The victims complained that travellers are driven away by agents who are often disrespectful and, in some instances, arbitrarily raise the prices after journeys have begun.
“Who would wish to be harassed when boarding a bus, pushed and pulled all over, not knowing where your luggage is nor where they could be taking you, and sometimes even children going missing in the confusion after being separated from their parents? Then eventually, when you get to their bus, they charge you more than they had initially said and the only option is to comply? James Omae, a Galaxy Express ticket cashier said.
The resulting circumstances at country bus have profited coaches and shuttles based in other locations within the city as they can guarantee customers greater organisation, security, and comfort.
Transline Classic Coaches head of customer care Edward Nyachoti agreed to the fact that they have benefitted directly from the rot at country bus.
“Their mistreatment and harassment of customers win us more customers. Their loss is our gain as it is very hard to have our vehicles going without passengers. Our customers come here themselves and are not forced,” he said.
He went ahead to note that travellers were willing to pay slightly higher fares for the improved experience.