Months after Isuzu Kenya unveiled three bus models developed specifically for the Bus Rapid Transport,(BRT) the company has now come out to affirm that it can assemble up to 30 high-capacity vehicles a month for the planned bus rapid transit system (BRT) in Nairobi.
Isuzu all but confirms that the move to have separate lanes is still on course.
One of the key objectives of the Isuzu’s new bus models is to provide a safe and reliable mode of transport to Kenyan citizens. The 100 pax bus has 47 seats and 53 handles for standing passengers.
Isuzu also intends to help improve productivity through the elimination of lost time in traffic jam. Traffic Jam has been a pain in the neck for majority of Kenyans who rely on public transport to get to work. Isuzu believes that its new bus model will help curb the traffic jam menace.
The 3 prototype buses which carry between 60-100 passengers at a go have adequate seating space, and wide access doors to allow for ease of entry and exit of the buses.
The firm’s director for manufacturing Emmanuel Ogot said the high-speed buses would be assembled using the new body construction standards.
The standards, referred to as KS372:2014, came into effect in May 2017.
They are intended to ensure uniformity of all passenger vehicles and improve safety on the roads.
“From our side, we are coming up with a solution to address mass transportation of passengers in the city and from a production capacity, we can do up to 30 high-capacity vehicles per month,” he said.
The government has been sending mixed signals on the BRT project, at times appearing to be keen on its quick implementation but at other times being hesitant to make investments needed for its realisation.
“We are still modifying some aspects in the product and this will dictate how much a single unit will sell. It could be somewhere in the tune of Sh12 million,” said Mr Ogot.
The government is set to launch six BRT corridors in Nairobi in a move aimed at reducing traffic congestion within the capital city.
Do you think the Introduction of the BRT buses will help solve the traffic menace in Nairobi?