NMS

An Overview of the anticipated Green Park Terminus

Over the past six months, Nairobi has transformed massively. As part of Nairobi’s integrated master plan and decongestion policy, the green park bus terminus (situated at Railways Club along Haile Selassie Avenue) is part of current efforts to move public service vehicles (PSVs) from the CBD.

Consider reading the previous post on Nairobi Metropolitan Services(NMS) strategies to decongest the city to get a clear glimpse of other changes that are under way in Nairobi.

Brace yourselves for the new Nairobi

Today’s post we will focus on the nearly finished Green Park Terminus that is approximately 95% complete. The post will mostly focus on the fuctional part of the terminus.The building of the green park bus terminus is set to accommodate Ngong and Lang’ata road PSVs (Kawangware, Kikuyu, Kibera, Lang’ata, Rongai, Kiserian).

What the Terminus will Comprise

The fascinating bit of the park is the fact that All vehicles will be regulated by an electronic monitor.

  • Technology will take over from the tout since we will have access to a digital network integrated with the termini, which will keep matatu operators informed of when the last-mile buses will arrive at various pick-up points. This will ensure that the last mile buses at the various pick-up stages remain up-dated for the passengers and operators of matatu.
  • Commuters can access travel details through a mobile app by alternative means.
  • A police station built to ensure the safety of passengers and matatu crews.
  • Smart cameras To track every activity in the bus terminals, that will be connected to operation centers at police headquarters.
  • Each Sacco will be required to appoint a delegate to sit in the operations room and take responsibility for any misbehaving members.
  • Level 2 hospital, A dispensary that can provide medical assistance in emergency situations is ready, with about 3,000 people expected to use it daily.
  • Trading centre, eateries; equiped with free Wi-Fi.
  • Two modern ablution blocks baby changing stations for mothers, resting area for crew, a trading area.
  • Proposed underground tunnels connecting the park to the city center, allowing people to freely cross Uhuru Highway on either side without experiencing any inconvenience.
  • The park, which was originally designed only for (PSVs), has now been extended to include boda bodas and taxis.
  • Bus shuttles will be available for commuters who are unable to walk or cycle from the newly constructed Green Park Terminus to the Central Business District (CBD).
  • Well designed and landscaped environment.

The terminus is set to aid in improving security in Nairobi due to the Smart Cameras that will be installed. Because of the extra space, streets will be free which would not only improve air quality but also foster a pedestrian-friendly environment

It will save on time and fuel by eliminating the amount of time spent accessing the current CBD terminal. The system, however, raises a series of concerns and challenges. Will the current prices of the PSVs change since we won’t be accessing the CBD meaning distance travelled will be less. Will the bus shuttle that transports commuters from the newly constructed Green Park Terminus to the Central Business District (CBD) be affordable?

Users can be forced to travel a long distance between termini as a result of the interconnectivity difference. The boda boda industry is unavoidably going to take advantage of the long distances. We all are curious how the GPS locator will fuction ,a friend was jokingly commenting that with how kenyan matatus are reckelessly driven how long will they be able to maintain their locators.

The most important question is will the system work? It is critical to establish a working structure that includes county government and authorities mandated by national government that prioritizes planning. This will necessitate long-term participatory, accountable, open planning and management,and most importantly the policy framework set to govern the place. Read more about the terminus below.

What are your opinions, I’m curious.

Brace yourselves for the new Nairobi

Yes, literary guys brace yourselves for new looks and operations of the Nairobi CBD in the coming year. I was having this conversation with a certain driver and he bluntly asked me if ill manage next year in Nairobi with the type of shoes I was wearing that day. Being the curious person that I am I went on and asked him a few questions and also researched more about it. And if you are curious why we will be needing more of our sneakers just like me, allow me to serve you with the tea.

I’m sure you’ve all seen the ongoing developments going rounds in the CBD. NMS has been carrying out numerous projects to change the landscape and design of Nairobi with the refurbishment of different roads within the city Centre. NMS has been collaborating with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to decongest the CBD by constructing multiple bus stations on the outskirts.

A tweet from Jean wangari concerning the pedestrian walkways in Nairobi CBD.The pedestrian walkways in Nairobi CBD

The project is part of the expected introduction of Mass Rapid Transport corridors to address persistent congestion in the capital city, including the already launched commuter rail services, non-motorized transport, and BRT corridors. NAMATA published the 12 mobility corridors connecting Ngong town, Kenol, Ruai, JKIA, Limuru, Muranga, Kiambu, and Konza city. Also, they’ll be the installation of electronic systems, which will be used to control operations of the terminus.

The Nairobi Metropolitan Services announces that Matatus will shift from Central Business District in phases, as the first bus terminal is expected to be finished by January.

The Routes Includes:

  • At the junction of Bunyala and Workshop Road, the new terminal which is still under construction, PSVs from Mombasa Road (South B, South C, Industrial Area, Imara Daima, Athi River, Kitengela, Machakos) will terminate.
  • From Waiyaki Way, Uhuru Highway, Kipande, and Limuru roads, the Fig Tree terminus at Ngara will be used to serve matatus from that route.
  • Ngong and Lang’ata road PSVs (Kawangware, Kikuyu, Kibera, Lang’ata, Rongai, Kiserian) will end at Green Park, commonly referred to as the Railways Club, whose terminal is almost complete.
  • The new Desai- Park Road terminal will serve the PSVs from Mt Kenya and those who come by the Thika Superhighway.
  • It is expected that the Muthurwa terminal will stay in use as PSVs from Jogoo and Lusaka Road.

What does this mean for us?

The congestion in Nairobi CBD is mostly brought by the PSVs originating from the city center. The current system makes it more costly and time-consuming for cross-town trips. Locating the bus station outskirts means less congestion and also less traffic. The project will boost connectivity and promote the use of non-polluting modes, more footpaths, special cycle dedicated routes.

The proposed ban on matatu would increase the average walking time for passengers which is due to the transfers of terminals. The increased walking time for passengers with children, people with disabilities, and baggage transporters would be especially difficult. (hence the driver commenting on my shoes.)

Media reports have described the possibilities of buses to ferry passengers from one terminal to another – however such services would result in longer transfers waiting time and extra costs, including passengers inconvenience.

Mobility is a major challenge in Nairobi, Over the years, many unsuccessful attempts have been made to limit access to public transport in the town center. According to statistics, Just a few passengers in Nairobi drive by car, as opposed to the rest who use public transportation, yet the focus is always on public transportation.

The city could also apply steps to prevent the use of private cars. Based on demand, parking rates could be set, providing an incentive for car users to avoid city areas that face the most congestion. Enhanced parking management will also raise funds that could be invested in a public transport system that is open, efficient, and fair.

We have lots of questions concerning this project i.e. will the system be affordable? but we’ll just have to wait till it is implemented, then we will find the answers. I’d love to know what your thoughts and questions are concerning the changes.

And Happy holidays to you🎄. We hope that the new year brings us more happiness, creativity, and a better human condition in our urban areas. We appreciate the constant support you guys have been showing us by subscribing and sharing the content.

Merry Christmas post

See Yah Next Year!