Paratransit operations in Nairobi: development of their routes and termini

Abstract

Efficient and effective operations of the paratransit public transport services such as Matatus as businesses in t he city of Nairobi depends on availability of a dequate termini and routes with sufficient facilities and management services. This study sought to find out whether the termini and routes in the city enable d efficient operations of matatus . It was found that there were 34 termini, a few of which were authorized while a large number were located on the streets and lacked basic facilities such as toilets and water. There wa s congestion of matatus at the termini and on the routes which increased their oper ati ng costs . To ensure efficient operations, the government should ensure transiting from low - to high - occupancy vehicles , concessioning of routes to well established operators and establishment of more termini on the city ’s outskirts