KAA Partners With Super Metro, Metro Trans To Launch Electric Buses To JKIA

The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has partnered with popular matatu saccos, Metro Trans Limited and Super Metro Limited to launch the new generation electric commuter buses to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi.

In a statement by the Authority on Wednesday, November 1, the 7th generation electric buses come with enhanced security features to protect passengers travelling into and out of the major international airport.

The security features include strict background checks for staff running the buses and thorough screening as part of its standard hiring procedures to protect the passengers and enhance customer experience.

Others include a real-time Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking system for monitoring the buses as well as CCTV surveillance to help in tracking down those who may commit crimes during the trips between the Central Business District (CBD) to JKIA.

New generation buses were unveiled by KAA in partnership with Metrotrans East Africa Limited & Super Metro Limited on November 1, 2023. /KAA

"Excitement at JKIA this morning as we get ready to launch  7th generation electric commuter buses in partnership with Metrotrans East Africa Limited & Super Metro Limited! A big stride towards a sustainable, eco-friendly future. 

"The electric buses come with thorough background checks for staff, real-time GPS tracking, and CCTV surveillance to ensure a safe and secure experience for all passengers and airport users," stated KAA.

Details of the exact stages at the CBD where passengers are expected to catch the stationed vehicles were however not revealed.

On Monday, October 9, Super Metro announced that it would commence operations between the CBD and JKIA, with free rides on its first trip. This is part of its new strategy to open up easy access to the airport for passengers aiming to catch their flights on time.

The new route will not only see more new buses deployed but also electric buses used as a modernization strategy.

Furthermore, Super Metro's move was seen as a way of offering alternative means of transport to the airport to digital taxis whose fares may prove too expensive for the ordinary Kenyan.

CBD to JKIA is estimated to be around 20 to 30 minutes, that is, without the traffic snarl-up, a journey cut to 12 minutes if one were to use the Nairobi Expressway.

Super Metro was also yet to reveal whether the buses would also use the Expressway or Mombasa Road, which was viewed as a likelier option given that the Expressway CBD toll station near Green Park Terminus is still under construction.

Commuters will also be anticipating the prices of the new route after the expiry of the free rides for the inaugural trip, with most matatu saccos charging between Ksh50 and Ksh70 from the CBD to the Airport.