UGANDA RAILWAYS RESTORES COMMUTER TRAINS AFTER RIFT VALLEY RAILWAYS GOT THE BOOT
(Posted 28th February 2018)
Commuters are breathing a sigh of relief after Uganda Railways yesterday restored the long dormant commuter service which former railway operator Rift Valley Railways cut over numerous operational problems, after their concession agreement was terminated.
Two trains, one into the city in the morning and one out of the city in the evening will offer affordable and safe rides for thousands of commuters who can board from as far as Namanve, Kampala’s new industrial estate outside of the city boundaries, and in between like Nakawa, Kireka and Bweyogerere/Namboole.
The national railway company, which is now tasked to restore rail services for cargo too from the Kenyan border, has already indicated that they may add another train once enough wagons and locomotives have been cleared for service. The organization is even considering using some of the other rail links to other parts of the city to also offer such user friendly services like to Port Bell, Kampala’s lakeside harbour town.
The cost of the service for the longest distance was given as Uganda Shillings 1.500 per person, one way, a bargain considering the fees demanded by bus and taxi operators.
