Matatus to be redesigned to comply with social distancing

In line with the government order which limits the number of passengers in all public service vehicles Matatu operators have now been forced to redesign their vehicles to comply with the guidelines.

The new seating arrangement is a win-win for all as it not allows for social distancing but allows the operators make extra money.

This is new look as public service operators seek to comply with the new government guidelines requiring them to limit their capacity in line with the social distancing guidelines

A bus like this with a capacity of 33 passengers is only allowed to carry half its capacity to meet the regulations by the government.

Operators have accepted to adapt the new normal, reduce the sitting capacity, and separate all seats to allow every passenger sits alone in line with the ministry of health rules .

“You feel safe whilst your’re in this bus unlike the other once where the driver might decide to pick more passengers along the way,” Irene Njeri, a passenger says.

The operators say that the new sitting arrangement works for them as they can now accommodate 24 passengers as opposed to 17 passengers as directed by the government .

“Initially we were carrying 16 passengers but with the new system we can carry more passengers and meet our costs and also service loans,” Fred Mwangi who works with Metro Trans, says.

The new arrangement also allows operators to uphold hygiene standards and undertake fumigation with ease