Siaya: Travelers heading from Siaya to Kisumu enjoyed an early Christmas treat today as the newly introduced Bungoma Line matatus offered free rides to mark the launch of their Siaya-Kisumu service.

The generous gesture saved passengers the usual fare of Sh300 to Kisumu city. To spread the word, a public address system moved around Siaya town, inviting locals to board the matatus for free.

“This is very good. In fact, this is the new SACCO to travel with from Siaya to Kisumu,” said George Owino, a passenger heading to Wagai. He appreciated the savings, noting he avoided the Sh150 he would have spent on his trip from Siaya to Wagai.

For trader Lilian Awino, the entry of Bungoma Line into the Siaya route is a welcome relief. She highlighted issues with other matatu operators, including passenger harassment and high fares.

“Bungoma Line has a reputation for not overloading passengers. Secondly, the people offering the services also have decorum when talking to the passengers,” she remarked, expressing hope for better travel experiences for local traders.

Bungoma Line’s launch signals increased competition on the Siaya-Kisumu route, promising better services and fairer pricing for travelers.