Kenyan-Swedish electric vehicle manufacturer Roam has launched the first mass transit electric bus to ply various routes in Nairobi. The bus, which comes with a 77-passenger sitting capacity, can cover up to 360 kilometers before recharging and targets public transport providers, schools, and private and Government institutions, providing them with an environmentally sustainable solution that is cheaper to maintain than fuel-run buses. Deployment of buses will initially be done within the Nairobi Metropolitan Area, which will later be scaled up to include other parts. Several charging points will also be installed from Opibus’ already existing range of products.

According to the company, it will put up its own charging infrastructure to support the buses. It will feature an online as well as cash payment system besides enhanced security features such as telematics, which is an integration of communication and information technology, enabling storage and transmission of information. Fare charges for those routes and specific commuting points will conform with other Public Service Vehicles (PSVs). Roam is working alongside pilot partner Kenya Mpya in the one-year project and hopes to address the unique challenges of public transport in Nairobi through reliable, sustainable, efficient, and modern mass transit solutions.