The City of Kigali expects to increase the use of buses in its public transport system through the introduction of a new state-owned company, Ecofleet Solutions. The move aims to raise the share of bus transport from the current low level of around 25 per cent to a more efficient and sustainable standard, according to Fulgence Dusabimana, the Vice Mayor in charge of Urbanisation and Infrastructure in the City of Kigali. Dusabimana made the remarks on Friday, October 17, 2025, while addressing the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Security. The session focused on evaluating measures to reduce road accidents and improve overall transport efficiency. ALSO READ: State-owned company to begin bus services in Kigali next month He indicated that large buses are key to easing urban mobility and reducing the overreliance on smaller vehicles and motorcycles. “The more people feel comfortable using large buses, the more we will reduce the pressure from small-capacity vehicles and motorcycles. These won’t be banned, but they’ll naturally decrease in use as the bus system improves,” Dusabimana said. “In developed countries, success in public transport is measured by having at least 70 per cent of commuters using large buses as a threshold. Right now, we’re only at about 25 per cent—a very low rate. That’s the challenge we must address, and Ecofleet is part of the solution.” He stated that Ecofleet Solutions is preparing to launch operations, with the goal of improving service quality and operational efficiency in Kigali’s public transport sector. “We acknowledge that the current transport setup—where only 25 per cent of commuters use buses—implies low efficiency. Ecofleet will help us improve that by offering reliable and timely service,” he said. The company is expeted to begin operations in November. ALSO READ: Kigali: Public bus capacity is decreasing as population rises - Auditor General Senator Evode Uwizeyimana voiced concerns about the current public transport system, which relies heavily on private operators. “The government must be involved in public transport, in any case,” he said. He said that private operators who took out loans to buy buses won’t allow their vehicles to run empty because it costs them fuel or electricity. That’s why there are delays at bus stops. But if someone knows a bus will arrive at 10:15 a.m., and it actually does—regardless of passenger numbers—then public confidence and efficiency will increase, he said. Uwizeyimana observed that the government-backed company will be able to run on fixed schedules, ensuring timely departures even if the buses are not full and therefore, address the current issue. ALSO READ: RURA boss on efforts to tackle road accidents, regulate taxi-motos On October 8, Evariste Rugigana, Director General of the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA), informed Senators that Ecofleet is expected to manage a fleet of 200 buses, which were procured by the government between late 2023 and early 2024. Unlike private operators, the company will operate on fixed timetables, departing on schedule regardless of the number of passengers onboard—eliminating common delays and improving service reliability for Kigali residents. The initiative is part of broader efforts to improve public transport in the city, reduce congestion, and enhance road safety.
