With planning we can avoid travel crisis
Thousands of Nairobians may not be able to make it to work on Monday because they are still stranded upcountry due to a transport crisis caused by the Government ban on night travel.
Students too may not be able to report on Monday for the beginning of the first term because they too are caught up in the transport crisis.
The ban on night travel by buses, taxis and matatus was introduced last month by the National Transport and Safety Authority to stop the carnage on our roads, especially during the festive season.
The ban allows them to operate only between 6am and 6pm.
Those caught working outside these hours will have their vehicles impounded and their licences revoked or suspended, and their owners prosecuted.
From the chaos seen since the ban was introduced, it is clear that majority of the operators and commuters were caught unawares.
Many bus companies have been forced to reorganise their schedules to ensure passengers who had booked night buses are catered for.
It has meant either increasing their fleets or postponing travel for some passengers. Bus companies have been left with no choice to refund fares at great inconvenience both to themselves and the travellers.
Break the rules
Inconvenience notwithstanding, the ban has to a great extent saved many lives which could otherwise have been lost.
Over the years, thousands of Kenyans have been killed when greedy PSV operators break the rules to make extra cash during the festive season.
Drivers are forced to drive at breakneck speeds to make as many trips as possible, often resulting in horrific accidents.
Not this time, thanks to the ban which has ensured drivers get enough rest time between journeys, given that fatigue has been a major contributing factor to many accidents.
Early preparations
Going forward, we urge both the operators and commuters to make early preparations to avoid being caught up in such a crisis again.
nneditor@ke.nationmedia.com