MetroTrans East Africa has invested Sh389 million in a fleet of new FUSO buses aimed at easing public transport demand in the Kenyan Market.
The investment is a lease partnership between National Bank of Kenya (NBK) and Simba Corporation as they seek to meet demand for public transport which has continued to rise over the years as population increases.
Speaking during the official handover of the first batch of 25 FUSO Canter buses by Simba Corporation, MetroTrans Chief Executive Officer Oscar Rosanna said the move is a response to increased demand in their existing routes and to also serve their customers better by offering cashless payments enabled by technology company SWVL that allows users to make and track bookings through the SWVL app.
In 2020, MetroTrans partnered with SWVL, a logistics tech company that allows users to make and track bookings through the SWVL app.
He said the logistics firm is expecting another 55 buses by the end of the year that will be used to gain footing in older routes and they seek to join new routes.
“This is an opportunity to widen our reach and offer better transportation solutions to our clients. These buses will help us add value to our clients,” he added.
Simba Corp’s Product Manager for Pick Ups & Buses, Mehul Sachdev said FUSO has accumulated over 50 years’ experience in the commercial vehicles market which has led to the brand offering the best vehicle for all buses and trucks segments – light, medium or heavy duty.
On his part, Naresh Leekh MD Simba Corp Motors, said Fuso is geared towards providing comfort. “When it comes to buses, comfort is key when moving from point A to B. With this partnership we offer all passengers comfort in travelling, with enough leg room, aeration, seatbelts, better driving comfort for the driver,” he said.
NBK Retail Banking Director Carol Rutto noted that availing of the buses to MetroTrans Limited lends credence to the desire by the bank to support key economic enablers especially in the transport industry.
