Daily matatu users in Limuru are happy with the fall of fare prices after several investors in the region bought new vehicles to ply the Nairobi-Limuru route.
The fare to the capital, Nairobi, where most locals from Limuru commute to everyday has fallen by 20 per cent.
“The fare is usually Sh100 but would go up to Sh150 when it rained,” said David Kariuki.
Kariuki said the fare was now at Sh 80 even during peak hours.
“I am usually at the stage by 7.30am so I can get to work by 8.45am, and I have been paying Sh80 for over a month now. This has never been the case in the past,” said Kariuki.
Mbugua wa Njoroge, a tout operating the route, said matatu owners had invested in modern Nissan matatus and new buses that carry up to 51 passengers.
“This route has new vehicles with number plates of 'KCA, KCB, KCC and they travel very fast to town and back. The demand and supply curve dictates the fare prices to go down automatically,” said Mbugua.
Violet Otieno, a motorists, added that it was rare to go to the Limuru stage in Nairobi, Khoja area, or at Limuru town and not find a vehicle as it was common in the past.
“I can say the route has enough vehicles and we are happy travelling to and fro,” said Otieno.
Some of the registered matatu Sacco’s plying the route include Lina, Likana and Everbest.