Passenger service vehicles serving nine routes in the City of Kigali, yesterday, started using a new bus terminal in an effort to reduce traffic in downtown Kigali.

The terminal, located opposite Nyarugenge Prison, commonly known as 1930, was welcomed by both passengers and drivers, mainly because it coincided with the rainy season.

The facility, equipped with sheds and seats, will save city commuters the hustle of queuing, which exposed them to rains and scorching sun.

Video: Kigali city opens new bus terminal. Source: The New Times/YouTube

"We are happy to have the terminal with shelter and a police post. It was not easy to stay on the queue for long. With this terminal, we have where to sit as we wait for the next bus,” said Sheikh Radjabu Ndongozi, who was found seated in one of the sheds.

Christian Sekanyoni, a driver with Royal Express plying the Rwerankoli- Gikondo route, said the new terminal will help supervisors track the movements of the buses to ensure maximum discipline on the roads.

The routes to be serviced by the new park are City–Kagugu-ULK-Kinamba (coded as 313), City–Batsinda-Kagugu-Fawe-Gakinjiro-Kinamba (303), City-UTEXRWA-Kinamba (301), City-Kuryanyuma-Kimisagara-Yamaha (402) and City-Nyacyonga-Gatsata-Yamaha (403).

Others are City-Nyanza–Gatenga-Rwandex (203), City-Nyanza-Zion temple-Rwandex (202), City-Rwerankoli-Nyenyeri SGEM-Kiyovu (205) and City–Remera taxi park-Sonatubes-Rwandex coded as 101.

With the inauguration of the terminal, the bus stops at the former Eto-Muhima, Sulfo, and one at the Rwanda Energy Group offices have been removed.

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