Train fares cut for Syokimau commuters

Train fares have been reduced by 40 per cent on the Nairobi-Syokimau route.

From Monday, the fare will be Sh30 for a one-way ticket between Syokimau and the central business district from the previous Sh50. A return ticket at peak hours will now cost Sh100.

In a statement Thursday, the Kenya Railways Corporation said the new fares were due to an assessment of commuter travel habits in Nairobi.

“The reduced fares are aimed at stimulating demand for the off peak train services,” the statement said.

Commuter boycott

When the service was launched in mid-November last year, fares were between Sh100 and Sh120 one way for the 18-kilometre journey that takes about 30 minutes.

Commuters boycotted the service, saying, the fare was too high.

The new off-peak fares will target the Nairobi–Syokimau 8.10 am and 7.30 pm and the Syokimau–Nairobi 9am and 6.45 pm train runs.

The train timetable has also been adjusted in what the company said was to suit passenger needs.

The 9.40am hour train departing Nairobi has been rescheduled to 9am, whereas the evening train will leave for Syokimau at 7.30pm.

The corporation has also partnered with an independent public transporter to offer ‘Rail to Bus and Bus to Rail’ services.

“Commuters from Syokimau , Mlolongo, Athi River and Kitengela can opt to take a rail-connect bus from the Syokimau station.

“Those at the Nairobi railways station will be shuttled onward to their work areas in Upper Hill, Kenyatta National Hospital and Westlands during peak hours,” read the statement from the corporation.

Reduce traffic jams

The Syokimau train service now has three round trips.

This is a reduction from five trips when it started, with the first train leaving Syokimau station at 7.05am and the last train departing Nairobi railway station at 7.30pm.

The passenger rail service was introduced to reduce traffic jams, which have become a headache in the city, wasting time and fuel.