Matatu Transport

They are privately owned passenger vehicles and sometimes they carry goods. Theoperators have to obtain a Transport Licensing Board from the government to be allowed to operate. Their owners form themselves into associations which take care of their interests along some given routes.

ADVANTAGES OF VEHICLE TRANSPORT

1. It is relatively fast over short distances
2. It is very flexible in that it makes it possible to deliver goods on a door to door basis.it can reach warehouses, factories, and remote areas.
3. It permits stepwise development unlike other forms or means such as land transport.
4. Cheaper to establish compared to other land transport e.g. railways and pipeline.
5. Cost of maintenance is low since the road has multiple users who contribute to maintaining it.
6. It is convenient in the sense that vehicles move where and when there is need for them.
7. It is cost effective where transportation of small consignments is concerned.
8. Roads offer accessibility to many areas of a country because they are wide-spread.
9. Such transport is more adaptable in terms of time schedules and the amount of load that can be carried.

DISADVANTAGES OF VEHICLE TRANSPORT

1. It is slow and expensive when dealing with bulky goods over long distances.
2. Unfavorable weather conditions e.g. heavy rainfall and fog could cause delays
3. Prone to delays occasioned by traffic congestion.
4. It is susceptible to robbery by highway bandits (acts of robbery).
5. Contributes to environmental pollution since motor vehicles are noisy and emit exhaust fumes (air and noise pollution).
6. It is prone to accidents.
7. It is relatively uneconomical because vehicles carry fewer people compared to trainsorships hence transportation cost per head is high
8. Roads tend to wear out fast, especially if trucks are overloaded.

ADVANTAGES OF MATATUS.

1. They supplement regular bus companies especially in remote rural areas where they are the only means.
2. They fill up faster than buses hence save time.
3. They are more flexible since they can change routes especially depending on demand
4. They reach out into the interior of rural areas where big buses can’t access.
5. They are more flexible with the fares they charge.
6. They are easier to hire as most of them are readily available.
7. They are cheap to acquire.

DISADVANTAGES OF MATATUS.

1. Some are poorly maintained to the extent of being road-unworthy.
2. Most drivers are reckless as they rush to compete for customers-they can pick or drop passengers anywhere.
3. In some cases touts use impolite language when dealing with passengers.
4. They can cause noise pollution do to some unnecessary hooting and loud music.
5. They cause congestion in towns unnecessarily because of careless driving and parking.
6. Sudden increases in fares at peak hours during the night and on public holidays.
7. Their operation is concentrated on peak hours rarely operating at night.
8. They at times unexpectedly change their routes hence causing breach of contract.