Passenger enter Nyamira Express bus at the Kisumu bus park. [Photo|Amazing Kisumu]Two days after the government banned night travel for long distance PSV buses, hundreds of passengers continue to be stranded in various bus stops.In Kisumu city, hundreds of passengers could not get vehicles to their destinations on January 1 due to shortage of transport buses and increased bus fares.The shortage is being witnessed after many of the public transport vehicles ferried passengers to Nairobi and Mombasa early in the morning.On Tuesday morning, the situation was not different. Those who came as early as 7 am did not find vehicles as those who had come a day before, had already booked and paid for the seats."The buses to Nairobi and Mombasa leave here at 5 am or 6 am," said a booking office official.Through the NTSA and Traffic Department, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure banned ferrying of passengers during the night following a fatal road accident at Migaa area, Nakuru county.The December 31, 3 am accident involving a Nairobi Bus PSV and a trailer left at least 36 people dead and several others seriously injured.Passengers heading to Mombasa found fares increased from Sh1,800 to Sh3,000 per person.The fares had been increased from Sh1,000 to Sh2,000 or Sh2,500 for those heading to Nairobi."I came here on Sunday not knowing anything about the ban. I didn't not find a vehicle to Nairobi. This morning I have been told there's no vehicle and that all seats are booked. I don't know what to do," narrated a female passenger.Some passengers opted for personal vehicles which were as well ferrying passengers to Nairobi. The vehicles were also scarce.
In Siaya, passengers heading to Nairobi were also surprised after finding fares doubled from Sh1,000.Two ladies who had travelled in the county for Christmas holidays from Nairobi said the fares were Sh100 before December 30."Right now we've been forced to make calls to friends to help us out," said one of them.