Buses in Kigali are expected to operate using a set timetable (schedule) in line with the government's plan to improve public transport by addressing long waiting time, under a pilot scheme announced by the city on Friday, January 17.

This is in a bid to address inconveniences that result from a system, where buses can start a trip when they are at capacity, meaning that passengers get on a bus and wait long before the journey starts.

In a statement, the City of Kigali said that the pilot applies to routes Downtown-Nyanza, and Nyanza–Downtown, from January 16 to January 29, to understand how and what is required for the city to reach a level where buses will be leaving at fixed schedules.

The pilot is being carried out by the Ministry of Infrastructure and the City of Kigali, in partnership Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and it involves buses belonging to two public transport agencies namely Royal Express, and Yahoo Car.

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Buses are supposed to leave every 10 minutes during peak hours, the busiest hours when there is highest demand for public transport like mornings and evenings, and every 15 minutes during off-peak hours, with reduced demand for public transport.

The new system is intended to improve services offered to passengers using public buses for transport in the City of Kigali, according to the statement.

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The schedule should be complied with in order for commuters to spend less time waiting at bus stops, which results in inconveniences, according to city officials.