A cabinet meeting chaired by President Paul Kagame on Friday, November 28, approved the introduction of a new public transport model for Kigali. Set to launch this December, the system is designed to make commuting in the city more reliable, efficient, and eco-friendly, with potential expansion to other urban areas. ALSO READ: Public transport a priority in Kigali, says minister The new transport model will provide reliable service, with buses running on schedule and departures maintained regardless of passenger numbers. In a 2024 presentation to the National Consultative Forum of Political Organisations (NFPO), minister of infrastructure Jimmy Gasore explained that “profit and loss will go to the public company.” ALSO READ: Public transport: Key things to know about Kigali’s 2050 targets Smart management will be enabled through real-time tracking, ensuring fair coverage and consistent service across all routes. Technology integration will allow commuters to monitor bus locations and passenger flow through mobile apps. The system also supports cleaner mobility, aligning with Rwanda’s green and smart city goals under NST2 and Vision 2050. The plan builds on reforms announced by the Ministry of Infrastructure including the creation of a public bus management company to oversee operations. The company will manage a fleet of 200 government-owned buses. In May, the City of Kigali conducted a one-month trial of non-stop passenger buses on the Kabuga–Nyabugogo route. Buses ran every 3–5 minutes at key stops, addressing overcrowding and long waiting times, and providing insights for the citywide rollout.
