Residents of Nakuru West are now appealing to Matatus plying that route to reduce the fare from Sh. 40 to reasonable amount.
The residents cited that the area remained the most expensive route to ply while the distance was too short.
“Areas as far as Pipeline and Barnabas which are about 17 kilometers away charge Sh.30 and the price has been reducing with time. However, Shabab and Koinange remain the most expensive yet it is a distance that one can easily walk. It is an estimated five kilometers,” said Margaret Njeri.
Samuel Mwaura accused the matatu operators of taking advantage of the commuters, many who could not afford the expensive ride.
“Many of the residents are casual workers and they only use a matatu when necessary. Hence, forcing them to choose between boarding a matatu and buying a kilo of flour is so inhuman,” said Mwaura.
Peninah Njambi accused the matatu Saccos of not having the interest of their users at heart.
“They should follow their colleagues who are giving the residents rides at an affordable rate. To us, this is mainly torture especially during the rainy season and we are forced to use the matatus,” she added.
They are now appealing to the matatu owners to intervene.
“It is important to ensure that our interest are also looked into,” she cited.