Decongesting the city by the Nairobi Metropolitan Services is 98 percent done and soon public service vehicles will not be allowed into the Central Business District.
According to NMS Transport and Public Works director Michael Ochieng’, the Green Park terminus, Desai, and Park Road are almost done.
“Last year, we did test runs in Green Park terminus with the first test run, which improved the exit points and the second one on the pickup points and exit points, and then we did the terminal operations,” Ochieng’ said.
“Lessons learned at that time required that we improve the traffic circulation around the park, and that is the work that has been undertaken.”
Ochieng’ said that the test was to simulate how the park would work and eliminate the hurdles that needed to be dealt with ahead of the official launching of the facility.
To decongest the city, the authorities will integrate the termini, expressway, Bus Rapid Transit, and commuter train.
Further, infrastructural adjustments are being made to ensure a seamless transition.
“The vehicles leaving the Green Park now have a dedicated lane along Uhuru Highway to Kenyatta Highway and their destination through Ngong Road without interference,” he said.
According to Ochieng’, to maintain sanity in the various parks, only three vehicles shall be allowed in the park at a time, with each of the vehicles having at least 20 minutes at the park. Vehicle owners have been advised to look for a holding area for their cars.
Operations at the park have been automated. No touts are allowed as passengers will be guided by a public address system.
Details of each vehicle shall be captured electronically and displayed on a billboard.
Traffic marshals from the county and traffic police shall be tasked with maintaining law and order.
Green Park is one of the six other termini that the NMS is setting up for Sh350 million.
Once public vehicles are barred from the CBD, the termini will be the official pickup and drop-off point.
Other termini are Landhies Muthurwa, Fig Tree , and Bunyala-Workshop Road.
Green Park will not only be a bus terminus but will also host other amenities.
A supermarket will be set up, and there is a Level 2 hospital already operating within the terminus.
An ablution block has also been stationed at the terminal. There is also a fully operational police post and sitting bays for commuters.