Roam, Kenya’s electric vehicle manufacturer, commemorated the official start of the Roam Move bus operation at the Green Park Terminus. It aims to offer lower running costs with sustainability being a major goal. The launch was graced by various government officials and key figures in the matatu and commercial sector.
Cheaper option to fossil fuels
Dennis Wakaba, Roam Bus Country Sales Executive, reiterated the company’s resolve to make a lasting product that would offer the much needed alternative in the public transport sector. He outlined the various features that make the Roam Move a formidable transport option, chief amongst them its lower running costs compared to conventional diesel-powered buses.
Comfort and availability of spares
Another key advantage of the Roam Move is its quiet cabin, devoid of engine noises and vibrations and exhaust smoke. This would prove a game changer in terms of passenger comfort. Additionally, the bus is almost wholly manufactured locally, making its spares-bar the battery and seats- readily available in any spares outlet.
Sustainability and infrastructural development
Kenya Power and Lighting Company’s (KPLC) Joseph Siror was present at the event, lauding the company’s move as a major step in achieving sustainability in Kenya’s transport sector. He pledged to uphold the government’s promise in delivering key infrastructure such as building electric charging stations and developing partnerships with local manufacturing firms to create jobs.
Cheaper alternative to diesel engines
Albert Karakacha, the Matatu Owners Association chairman was equally delighted with the move, urging adoption of electric buses as the future, with high and unpredictable fuel prices adversely affecting the lives of ordinary Kenyans. He also recommended the lowering of the terms of purchase of the Roam Move to ease the ownership and operation, so as to make the bus more attractive to investors willing to enter the transport industry.
With fuel prices over the KES. 200 mark and rising, it should come as no surprise that the Roam Move cuts costs by over a third compared to its diesel counterparts, with cheaper purchasing and finance options in the offing.
Mr. Wakaba also promised that the firm would gradually roll out charging points along its routes to ease operations and reliability in transit.