Local transport operators are seeking harmonisation of some new initiatives being launched in the sector at the regional level, arguing that this will help ease service delivery.

The transport industry stakeholders, especially those offering trans-border services, say the move could help make them more competitive in the region.

While meeting officials from the Ministry of Infrastructure recently, the transporters noted that different laws applied by the East African Community (EAC) member countries affect their businesses.

Eulade Bagumya from Matunda Express said the firm wants to start operating on the Kigali-Kahama route in Tanzania, but raised concerns over standards of speed governors.

Bagumya said some of the member states do not enforce the law on speed governors, noting that this offers a big challenge to Rwandan transporters.

"For us we have speed governors, but when we start operations in Tanzania it will affect our competitiveness and profitability,” he said.

He added that local firms make few rounds to and from Kahama (Tanzania) because of ‘limited’ speed. "So, we need to advocate for harmonization of laws to ensure a level playing ground across the region,”he said.

Minister for infrastructure James Musoni explained that there are ongoing discussions between Northern Corridor member states to harmonise transport sector laws and policies, including those on speed governors and fees cross-border transporters pay.

According to Deo Muvunyi, the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority director for road transport, speed governors are essential to ensure road safety and promote discipline on the roads.

Sector review

Meanwhile, the meeting reviewed the achievements registered in the transport sector since 2013.

Muvunyi said the number of buses with the capacity to transport 60 passengers has increased from 20 to 96 buses, while the 32-60 seaters have risen from five to 40 buses. Coasters of between 25 and 32 seats are now 411 from 246 previously and omnibuses have reduced from 575 to 133, most of which work on feeder routes. He said routes in the City of Kigali have gone from 43 to 75.

Musoni told the participants that funds are being mobilised to promote public transport by building lanes dedicated to big buses.

He said initiatives, like the electronic ticketing system for public transport, including using mobile phones to book tickets in some intercity bus companies, as well as automated fare collection, taxi meters in taxi cabs, speed governors, free WiFi in 500 city buses, and the information system to monitor buses are aimed at streamlining the sector to enhance service delivery.

State Minister for Transport Alex Nzahabwanimana said implementation of the smart card system (for paying public transport fares) will be gradual, adding that they are still sensitising the public before it is rolled out to up-country buses. However, up-country public transport operators at the meeting wondered how rural people visiting Kigali will be catered for.

"How will a person from Cyangugu who doesn’t know about the system be helped to use smart cards on arrival in Kigali city when they have only Rwf230 to go to Remera?” they asked.

Nzahabwanimana explained that such passengers have been catered for, saying they will pay bus conductors and get invoices.

"Eventually, we want every Rwandan to use the e-fare payment system,” he said.

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