A crisis is looming following a decision by the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) to open the multi-million-shilling Green Park Terminus tomorrow.

The Sh250 million car park is part of the Nairobi Integrated Urban Development Master Plan which is seeking to establish a reliable and efficient transport system.

Yesterday, stakeholders accused the government of excluding them from negotiations and key meetings about the launch of the park.

The operators said the project might not end up achieving the intended purpose of decongesting the city.

 Speaking to People Daily yesterday, the chairman of Matatu Owners Association Simon Kimutai said the government should have addressed key issues including where the PSVs will be waiting after they drop passengers.

“We support any attempt that will make this city a better place. However we should look at some of the teething problems. As we speak they want to start with Ngong Road but they are not telling us where matatus will be waiting. We are worried that this project may end up benefitting only a few,” said Kimutai.“If they want us to use the terminus, let them carry out consultations. We will not be forced to go there.”

Test runs

Last year, NMS conducted at least three test runs to identify challenges and loopholes. The first one carried out on April 27 was marred by confusion.

During the test run, many PSV operators and passengers expressed dissatisfaction with the plan, with many complaining that NMS had not put enough measures in place to address their concerns.

Others said the terminus would be a punishment to them as they would be forced to walk long distances.

In a public notice last week, NMS said matatus plying Ngong Road and Argwings Kodhek will pick and drop passengers at the terminus from tomorrow (Tuesday).

 Those using Langata Road will begin using the terminus on May 27.

“NMS wishes to inform Public Service Vehicle operators and the general public that the Green Park Bus Terminal will commence operations in phases,” the notice says.

The Sh250 million Green Park is part of the Nairobi Integrated Urban Development Master Plan that seeks to establish a reliable and efficient transport system.

NMS director general Mohammed Badi said it aims to decongest the city’s CBD, reduce travel time, improve commuter experiences and encourage the use of public transport.

Twenty minutes

Green Park is among six termini being set up by NMS following President Uhuru Kenyatta’s directive in March 2020.

Others are Desai, Park Road, Landhies-Muthurwa, Fig Tree terminus and Bunyala-Workshop Road.

The terminus can accommodate 300 to 350 vehicles at a time and up to 20,000 in a day.

Matatus using Ngong Road will have a dedicated lane on Uhuru Highway to Kenyatta Avenue and their destination through Ngong Road.

All vehicles using Green Park will have a maximum of 20 minutes to drop and pick up passengers.

This prevent congestion at the terminus.

Only a maximum of three vehicles per sacco will be allowed at any time.

All vehicles will be electronically captured after NMS installed CCTVs within and outside the terminus.