Matatu operators to limit number of passengers in fight against coronavirus

Matatu operators to limit number of passengers in fight against coronavirus

Matatu operators have been ordered to limit the number of passengers in vehicles as the government escalates the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

Speaking during a Press briefing on Friday, Health CS Mutahi Kagwe said the National Emergency Response Committee resolved that 14-seater matatus will carry a maximum of 8 passengers.

“25-seater vehicles will carry a maximum of 15 passengers while 30-seater vehicles and above are to maintain a 60% maximum of sitting capacity,” he said.

The CS said the order also applies to the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and commuter train services.

He stated that public service vehicle (PSV) operators have already been directed to observe high levels of hygiene and the new directives will ensure compliance with social distance requirements.

“It is expected that Kenyans will adhere to the directions of the public service transport operators. There is no point in having 8 people in a matatu but two of them are sitting very close together and leaving the other seats. Stay away from each other as far as possible,” the CS said.

Matatu operators are also expected to clean and disinfect the vehicles at the end of each trip and provide sanitizers to passengers.

He lauded the decision by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to release seized ethanol for the manufacture of sanitizers that will be distributed to the public free of charge.

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