Smart Matatus to Launch in Kenya?

The same smart technology which Google, Apple and other manufacturers are looking to incorporate into their cars could be used to greatly improve public transport in Kenya. Currently, just under 1.5 million people use “matatus” (shuttle buses) to navigate Nairobi on a daily basis. Among other problems, these commuters face overcrowding, congestion and reckless driving, making matatus a dangerous but necessary menace for getting around the city.

However, implementing smart technology into matatus could alleviate some of the problems and eradicate others entirely. Of course, realising such a project would take much cooperation on the part of the government and the private sector and many years of hard work, but discussion of these ideas shows a move in the right direction.

Possible Advantages of Smart Matatus

Currently, matatus are uncomfortable, overcrowded and downright dangerous. Drivers often speed recklessly, drive without regard for other users of the road and have even known to be intoxicated behind the wheel. Meanwhile, owners encourage packing the buses as full as possible to increase profit margin, making for an uncomfortable ride for the commuters.

However, new technology could change all of this. Here are a handful of the features which could revolutionise the way matatus are seen in the Kenyan capital and other cities:

• Breathalyser test. A simple blow test could be installed to determine whether the driver is over the limit before beginning the journey.
• CCTV. Closed circuit cameras could monitor the behaviour of drivers and passengers, thus ensuring their safety.
• VR display. A virtual reality heads-up display could alert the driver to upcoming congestion, accidents or jams and offer alternative routes to minimise traffic and waiting times.
• Collision and pothole sensors. Screening technology could be added to minimise the risk of collision and make the journey more comfortable for passengers.
• Disaster response. In case of disaster, empty matatus could be diverted to the scene to pick up passengers and improve response times. This could help communities evacuate more efficiently and save countless lives.
• Active route tracking. Demand for transportation could be actively monitored and matatu routes changed to provide more options in popular locations.

Kenyan buses already went cashless with the introduction of the so-called "smart bus" back in 2009. This was a success in improving efficiency and reducing car-jacking incidences – surely further improvements to the matatus would only be a positive thing, and would represent the best interests of owners, drivers, commuters, manufacturers and the government alike.

Reducing Transport Congestion and Pollution Elsewhere

If smart matatus are implemented successfully (and that’s a big if, with much work still to be done), they could prove an inspiration to other developing countries around the globe. Even the UK could learn a lesson or two from improving its public transport system and reducing the number of private cars on the road.

The article Improving Air Quality and Reducing Transport-Related Pollution discusses the benefits of cutting down on harmful vehicular emissions and introduces potential alternative fuel sources as a means to achieving this.