The Mowlem bus park in Kisumu has been officially opened as the city embarks on a program to decongest the main bus terminus.
City manager Abala Wanga said construction is complete and the new bus terminus started operations on Friday.
He said they have offices for matatu Saccos, toilets and a new police post set to provide round the clock security.
Wanga said this is a significant milestone for the lakeside city to enhance the efficiency and safety of public transportation.
"Following a collaborative meeting involving key stakeholders such as the County Government, Police Service and Transport Service, we are pleased to unveil the crucial updates regarding the operationalisation of the Nyamasaria Bus Park and reorganisation of City Public Transport Mobility System," he said.
Wanga noted that in an effort to foster fairness and operational cohesion, buses plying the Kisumu-Nairobi route will be accorded priority in office space allocation within the bus park.
Furthermore, he added that all buses, irrespective of their routes, will be assigned spaces based on first-come-first-served basis.
Wanga stated that in order to maintain traffic flow and ensure passenger safety, buses and matatus from Nyamasaria Bus Park are restricted beyond Kachok roundabout.
The designated route includes Nyamasaria Buspark–Nyamasaria Interchange -Kondele/Polytechnic-Ondiek Highway-Gumbi Road-Bus Park.
The buses and matatus from Kondele will follow the KondelePatel's roundabout-Ondiek highway-Gumbi road-Bus park.
Those from Bondo must follow the Paramount-Mamba-Ondiek Highway-Gumbi road- Bus park route.
The city manager outlawed PSVs from operating illegal bus parks in petrol filling stations or by the roadsides.
He said transport mobility system in the lakeside city was in disarray thus the need for its reorganisation.
"Be advised that picking up or dropping off passengers is strictly prohibited at locations, including Kicomi, Kamas, Aga Khan, Kisumu Boys and other areas that are not gazetted bus parks," he said.
The city manager also ceased all bus operations within the CBD area and directed them to relocate to the Mowlem stage for operations.
Night operations, he said, will be permitted at the main bus park from 10pm to 6am after which operations will resume at Nyamasaria Bus Park.
He added that the various space allocation within the bus park will be managed by the Interim Bus Park Management Committee.
"Furthermore, we emphasise the prohibition of booking offices in petrol stations or any other area not designated as a bus park. Be informed that this notice also affects seven seater vehicles like the Voxy vehicles that typically ply the Kisumu-Nairobi route and vice versa."
Wanga has in the recent weeks faced criticisms and street protests from transport officials who accused him of making unilateral decisions.
The street protests died down after ODM party leader Raila Odinga came to his defence.
While opening Kisumu Water and Sewerage Company (KIWASCO) new offices a week ago, Raila said planning of the city is mandatory.
"I like what Abala is doing, there must be order and it should continue to make Kisumu a better place for investors and all of us," Raila said.