Traveling from one point to the next for the normal Nairobian has always been a hustle. In fact it is always a headache; rude makangas, traffic jams, uncomfortable matatus, unstable fare prices among the many petty things you have to deal with when you want to go hustling.
This has always made informed Nairobians selective of the kind of matatus they get into. With traffic jams, City Hoppas would normally be the last resort for someone who want to navigate through traffic swiftly and reach their destination. Apart from them being too slow compared to the pimped mats, they tend to be uncomfortable and dusty.
I remember a friend was coming to chill out at my pad one weekend. It was his first time to my place so I had to give him directions. I specifically instructed him to take a City Hoppa at Kencom and alight at our gate. City Hoppa was the best option if he was to reach my place without getting lost.
We know how people get lost in Nairobi. This city is complicated. So, guess what my friend did? Your guess is probably right if you are a boujee Nairobian. The hommie didn’t board a City Hoppa. He took the pimped matatus which ended up dropping him at a spot 3 kilometres from my place. And that meant I had to walk all the way from my house searching for him. I was so pissed off.
When I asked him why he didn’t take a City Hoppa as instructed, he clearly told me that he doesn’t usually like using them because they are not pimped and doesn’t play good music like other sophisticated matatus. He would rather pay more fare than use a Hoppa. I wasn’t surprised even for a bit. I have seen guys in stage snubbing City Hoppas as they opt for the graffiti matatus.
But it seems all these is just about to change as the new City Hoppas have been unleashed. Those buses are comfortable and clean. You see the types of buses used by touring firms to take white people around the country?
The new City Hoppas has that feeling. And they are just as affordable as has always been. And very calm and quiet to add on that. Only Uber could offer such value for money for the boujee Nairobian.
It is just a matter of time before they take over. They are few at the moment and you would be lucky if you board one. I have been fortunate to board them on my route from time to time. You can check them out and let me know.