Commuters in Mombasa will now be forced to dig deep into their pockets as matatu owners hike fares due to the new regulations set by government on the public transport system.

The new regulations were aimed at mitigating spread of the coronavirus.

Fares from Bamburi to Ferry and Docks will now be Sh100, up from the Sh80. Tudor-Ferry/Docks route will now charge Sh50, up from Sh40.

Those plying the Mtwapa route will pay Sh120 to posta ( GPO), up from Sh100.

According to Matatu Owners Association Coast coordinator Salim Mbarak the new prices are the 'lowest' in the country.

According to the new guidelines, 14-seater matatus are expected to carry a maximum of eight passengers,  25-seater vehicles a maximum of 15 passengers, 30 seater vehicles and above to maintain a sixty per cent maximum of sitting capacity.

Other areas that have also hiked fares are Nairobi, Central and Nyanza.

This comes just few days after matatu owners called on the government to reduce fuel prices and also provide them with sanitizers or ensure they are affordable.