The Ministry of Infrastructure is expected to introduce a new public transport model this December, designed to make moving around the city more reliable, efficient, and eco-friendly, with potential expansion to other urban areas, according to a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister.

The Cabinet was briefed on the new public transport model on November 28.

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Its key features include reliable service whereby buses are expected to operate on schedule, as per the statement.

Others are smart management featuring real-time tracking to ensure fair coverage and consistent service across all routes, and cleaner mobility to support Rwanda's green and smart city goals under the second phase of the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) and the broader Vision 2050.

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Earlier, the government established a public company called Ecofleet Solutions, which was expected to begin operations this November, according to the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority. The state-owned firm will be responsible for managing the public bus fleet.

Unlike private transport operators who often wait for buses to fill up before departing to avoid losses from running below capacity, Ecofleet will operate on fixed schedules, departing on time regardless of the number of passengers on board.

This is expected to improve public transportation in Kigali.

In June, the City of Kigali announced a decision to ban the entry of new diesel-powered public buses in favour of electric ones. The decision, which it said would come into force by the end of 2025, is in line with Rwanda’s plan to embrace e-mobility.