PHOTOS: Kigali introduces exclusive bus lanes to improve public transport
Wednesday, December 03, 2025
Emmanuel Dushimimana
A bus leaving the Downtown Bus Park on December 2. New road signs marking bus-only lanes have been installed along the route to guide drivers and support the enforcement of Kigali’s updated public transport rules.

The City of Kigali on Tuesday, December 2, launched a new dedicated public bus lane system, an initiative designed to ease traffic congestion and improve daily transportation for bus users.

The new lanes currently run from downtown through Sonatubes to Remera, with plans to extend to other parts of the city.

The setup features special lanes marked by a broken yellow line and the letters BUS ONLY inscribed on the pavement. At junctions, there are also traffic lights designated exclusively for buses, ensuring smoother and faster transit, especially during peak hours.

The New Times photojournalist Craish Bahizi toured the streets to capture the rollout and captured how the new system is taking shape through his lens.

A bus uses the newly designated bus-only lane as cars move in regular traffic on KN 5 Road in Kigali on December 2. Photos by Craish Bahizi
A newly marked bus-only lane at Kigali’s Rwandex area as traffic builds up during the early evening rush hour on December 2. Photos by Craish Bahizi
A police officer inspects driver compliance with the new bus-lane regulations at Rwandex in Kigali on December 2.
The road from Downtown to Remera, passing through the Sonatube area, is among the newly marked routes featuring dedicated bus lanes.
The road from Remera and Sonatube heading toward Downtown, passing through the Rubangura area, has also been marked with dedicated bus lanes as part of the new traffic management changes introduced on December 2.

A bus leaving the Downtown Bus Park on December 2. New road signs marking bus-only lanes have been installed along the route to guide drivers and support the enforcement of Kigali’s updated public transport rules.
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