The newly-launched bus that will carry 37 passengers. Most bus companies have been affected by the SGR train. [Photo/Standard]
The efficiency and affordability of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) has forced bus companies to adjust and adapt in order to survive in the transport industry.
Tahmed Bus Company has become the latest bus company to try and find survival means, in order to try and compete with the SGR train.
The company’s clients will now enjoy first-class rides across the region after the company launched 12 VIP buses.
The buses, which cost Sh312 million and were launched over the festive season, will have a capacity of 37 people.
According to the company’s operations manager Kiplangat Ng’eno, all passengers using the bus will enjoy first-class services at no extra cost.
“We aim to compete with the SGR, we also want to please our customers. So we have introduced 12 VIP bus units at a cost of Sh26 million each. The passengers will be paying the same flat uniform fare without discrimination,” said Ng’eno.
He further added that the fares will be between Sh1,500 and 1,700 from Mombasa to Nairobi.
The bus company also hopes to open new routes across the region, which will include Nairobi-Kampala and Nairobi- Kigali.
However, the newly launched buses will be plying the Nairobi-Mombasa route and will be serviced by two drivers and a hostess.