Relief for Mombasa Commuters as New Link Train Set to Carry 4,000 Daily

Relief for Mombasa Commuters as New Link Train Set to Carry 4,000 Daily

Mombasa residents are set to breathe a sigh of relief as the government launches a new commuter train designed to ease the city’s endless traffic jams.

During an inspection tour on Thursday, Transport CS Davis Chirchir confirmed that the train will carry 4,000 passengers daily between the central business district and the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) terminus.

Game-Changer for Traffic Congestion

Chirchir stressed that the project is a turning point for coastal transport.

“This train will carry 4,000 passengers every day. It will reduce congestion on Mombasa’s roads and make travel easier for residents and tourists,” the CS said.

The 17-kilometre line includes a modern passenger station at Mombasa Terminus and several stops at Miritini, Changamwe West, Changamwe East, Shimanzi, and Mombasa Central.

Park and Ride or Drop and Ride

Kenya Railways revealed that commuters will have two choices. Motorists can use the ‘Park and Ride’ system by leaving their cars at the terminus and boarding the train.

Meanwhile, public transport users will rely on the ‘Drop and Ride’ option, giving them a seamless link between matatus, buses, and the train.

“We are looking to operationalise the Link train for Mombasa County soon. Once operational, residents, tourists, and train enthusiasts will be able to use it,” said Kenya Railways MD Philip Mainga.

He added that the train will not only improve access to Mombasa CBD and the SGR terminus but also benefit areas in between.

Long-Delayed Project Finally Arrives

The project, which started in September 2022, suffered repeated delays. Land acquisition challenges nearly stalled the initiative, leaving many commuters frustrated.

In February, Kenya Railways had already promised that the link train would provide a direct connection between the SGR and the city centre, a long-standing headache for thousands of travellers.

A Boost for Tourism and Business

Transport experts believe the new train will boost both business and tourism. Tourists visiting Mombasa by SGR will now reach the city centre faster, while locals will save time and fuel.

“This train will ease access not only to Mombasa Terminus and Mombasa CBD but also to all the areas in between,” Mainga said.

For now, Mombasa residents eagerly await the official launch, hopeful that the new service will finally end their daily traffic nightmare.

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Relief for Mombasa Commuters as New Link Train Set to Carry 4,000 Daily