New public transport routes in the City of Kigali have been unveiled. The development was announced during a press conference on March 12, 2024. ALSO READ: Another bus company to serve Kigali routes The routes which were allocated to public transport buses for commuters include Nyanza Bus Park-Gahanga-Nunga, Masaka-15-Special Economic Zone, Masaka-Rusheshe, Giti Kinyoni-Nyabugogo, Nyabugogo-Karuruma-Jali, Nyacyonga-Masoro, Nyacyonga-Rutunga, Gasanze-Birembo-Kinyinya, and Bumbogo-Kimironko. The new public transport routes also include Bwerankori-Nyarurama, Nyanza-Bwerankori-Nyamirambo RP, Remera-Special Economic zone, Remera-Itunda–Busanza, Masaka-Kabuga passing by Masaka Hospital, Kicukiro Nyanza-Karembure, Nyanza-Kacyiru, and CBD-Down Town Bus Park. ALSO READ: 100 new buses start operations in Kigali The government has licensed 14 companies and four individuals to operate public transport in different public transport routes [including new routes] of the capital. “The market is open and we are ready to receive more public transport operators who are interested,” said the Mayor of the City of Kigali, Samuel Dusengiyumva. The companies and individuals are providing public transport services in seven established corridors {from A to G] that connect all parts of the city. “Each corridor has between two and three operators. We will continue to work with RURA to identify routes with gaps so that buses are availed,” he said. He said the city is also seeking investors to utilise the available 32 buses to serve the new routes. He said there are currently seven bus parks in the City of Kigali, and 500 public transport buses are in operation to address long queues after the government bought new buses. “The number of buses increased from between 200 and 300 buses to 500 buses. That is because we bought an additional 200 buses,” he said. He said 18 companies and individuals licensed to operate public transport on different routes [including new routes) will minimise the monopoly in the public transport business. ALSO READ: Govt to scrap subsidies in public transport In January, 100 new buses commenced operations in the City of Kigali. Minister of Infrastructure, Jimmy Gasore, said that another batch of 100 buses is anticipated to arrive in March. The government also intends to implement a pay-per-trip system instead of charging for the entire journey to alleviate the burden.
