Kenyan taxi-hailing firm, Little, which has a partnership with telecommunication giant Safaricom has ventured in the matatu industry.
The ride-hailing firm has started its operations on Nairobi-Naivasha-Nakuru routes.
According to Little's Chief executive Kamal Budhabhatti, there are 12 shuttle buses on the premier route but plan to venture into the upcountry journeys at a later date.
“We have 12 slots on the Nairobi-Nakuru route and we will put (buses) in all major routes in the near future,” Budhabhatti said in an interview with Business Daily.
The entity has settled on a flat rate fare of Sh450 on the route.
Normal matatu operators charge Sh300-Sh250 to ferry you from Nairobi to Naivasha and a Nairobi and Nakuru journey will attract a fare of between Sh300 and Sh500. The fluctuation is pegged on the number of passengers and availability of vehicles.
Litlle promised to offer a quality and safe travel with fewer stops. Its shuttles in Nairobi have picked up after being launched this year.
The entry of a new partner in the matatu sector might be good news to travellers who face rough times during holidays and when stakeholders strike.
Poor customer service from touts, unpredictable fares and dangerous driving are some of the nightmares Kenyans face while travelling.