Nairobi citizens will now have the power to suspend matatu Saccos newly introduced Nairobi City County Public Transport and Traffic Management Bill.
The Bill has a raft of laws that will govern the sector including a Public Roads Transport and Management Committee with powers to revoke or suspend matatu Sacco permits if 75 percent of route users sign a petition submitted to the committee.
Moved by Eastleigh North Ward Rep Osman Ibrahim Adow, the Bill also provides that persons with special needs such as the pregnant, old or physically challenged be given priority like reserving them seats, failure to which it will be an offence liable to conviction.
There will also be no chewing miraa, smoking, drinking alcohol or abusing drugs inside a matatu by touts, drivers or passengers.
Passengers will have to queue and all vehicle engines switched off while at the termini while passengers are boarding.
Operators will have to display fare charts and such should not exceed stipulated amount.
Failure to adhere to these rules will attract a fine ranging from Sh50, 000 to Sh500, 000 or six months jail term or both.