EDITORIAL: Corona has changed everything. Did motos learn anything?
Friday, June 05, 2020
A taxi moto client uses mobile money to pay a motorist at Kiporoso on 3 June 2020 . / Craish Bahizi

The smiles are back again on the faces of taximoto operators, but most importantly, their clients were more than happy to see the motorbikes weaving through traffic again.

Motorcycle taxis are the most convenient means of public transport in the region. Rwanda has over 60,000 operators and half of them ply their trade in Kigali. So without the motos, Kigali becomes paralyzed.

The three-month lockdown took a heavy toll on all in the sector and those who indirectly survive from the trade. It is therefore a welcome gesture by some corporate organisations that have come on board to help the taxi-men and women.

Many organizations have come forward to lend a hand and so far tens of thousands of litres of fuel have been donated to help taximoto operators resume their work on a sure footing.

However, they must repay that kindness by doing away with what they are best known for; unruly behaviour on the road and traffic violations.

Just as major corporations are challenging each other to donate towards the taximoto operators cause, it is our turn to also challenge them to be on the frontline of best behavior and observe the strictest adherence to antiCovid-19 measures.

The pandemic taught us many lessons, it gave people greater awareness that their health lies squarely in their hands, on how they behave and treat hours. Let those lessons not have been in vain.