Matatus in a sentence

Matatus will no longer be allowed to access the Central Business District (CBD) as from November as the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) moves to de-congest the city.

Driven by a lack of reliable transportation for commuters, matatus are a legacy of private cars that used alternate routes in the spread out city when public buses would not, in return for that small fare.

The matatus collided head-on at Rupingazi River bridge on Thursday morning, eye witnesses and the authorities said.

Meanwhile, I kept the conversation going, seeking to know why their ‘taxis’ weren’t alluring like our matatus.

As a result of these regulations, many matatus were taken off the road, which caused great disruption to public transport, forcing many people to walk to work.

Classification They are currently classified into the following categories: citation Bus Transport Kenya Bus Services, Nairobi '''There are around 100,000 matatus ( minibuses ), which constitute the bulk of the country's public transport system.

Consequently, no new matatus are licensed to operate from January 2011 while the current ones will be allowed to live out their lifespan; a move aimed at enhancing the safety of citizens and visitors as well.

Due to the intense competition between matatus, many are equipped with powerful sound systems and television screens to attract more customers.

However, in November 2014 President Uhuru Kenyatta lifted the ban on the yellow stripe and allowed matatus to maintain the colourful graphics in an effort to support the youth in creating employment.

However, the matatus continue to occupy the road ways in large numbers contributing to the congestion of Nairobi.

In December 2010, the Government embarked on a policy to phase out matatus as a means of public transport.

Matatus in Nairobi were easily distinguishable by their extravagant paint schemes, as owners would paint their matatu with various colourful decorations, such as their favourite football team or hip hop artist.

The matatu's route is imprinted along a yellow stripe on the side of the bus, and matatus plying specific routes have specific route numbers.

There are also taxi minibus services ( matatus ) leaving from Kigali, which also go through to the major towns, but some of them stop frequently along the route to pick people up or drop them off.

They are costly in comparison to matatus and buses but are a safer and more convenient form of transport.