Roam (previously Opibus), has launched a new electric Mass Transit Bus, the Roam Rapid, which is specifically designed to address the unique challenges of public transport in Nairobi and Africa as a whole. It offers a solution for the growing number of cities implementing Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems across the continent and is the first of its kind in Kenya.
Roam Rapid is the first bus in Kenya designed for mass transit. With a high capacity of 90 passengers the bus allows for ample room, efficient boarding and disembarking of commuters with both seating and standing areas. Furthermore, it features, priority seats for the elderly and people with limited mobility, extended legroom, designated areas for wheelchairs, and a low-floor entry for easy access. Roam aspires to create a new perception on public transport vehicles by providing a mobility solution that is inclusive, modern, efficient, and sustainable. Roam Rapid also has zero tailpipe emissions and low noise pollution, paving the way for the next generation public transport system in Africa.
Roam Rapid has an extended range that enables the operators to run their buses for a full day without worrying about charging. The bus is equipped with a 384-kWh battery pack that allows for a range of 360 km. It also has the ability to fully charge in less than 2 hours through DC charging ports. Giving operators full flexibility to decide their charging and operating schedule, either fully charging at night or including a brief midday charge to top up the battery.
The focus for the bus has been to design a robust vehicle with best in class carrying capacity, range and comfort to enable mass adoption of clean transport across the continent. Operational cost can be lowered by up to 50% and the ease of after-sale reduces down-time, enabling higher margins for the operator but also lower cost for the commuters, creating a new standard for transport on the African continent.
Through strong local partners and localization plan, buses will be assembled locally, but also partly manufactured in the region. A strong local presence will ease after-sale services and provide many jobs, helping to tackle the rising unemployment rate.
“The solution Roam brings to the Kenyan market enables us to move people safely, comfortably and timely in both a sustainable and affordable way. The bus is designed not only to increase comforts and lower cost but more importantly focuses on the well-being of the population through reduced noise pollution and eliminating local emissions, improving air quality for the cities across Africa,” stated Dennis Wakaba, Project Coordinator, Roam.