Nyabugogo bus terminal was abuzz yesterday as travelers headed to various upcountry destinations in time for New Year’s celebrations.

When The New Times visited the terminal on Sunday, passengers had braved afternoon downpour with long queues forming at booking points.

"As usual I am supposed to start the New Year with my family and celebrate together. This is time when we need to reflect on what we achieved during the past twelve months, and learn from our failures while planning for our future. But the best thing of all is that I end it on a good note,” said Felix Tuyambaze, a passenger.

Tuyambaze, a domestic worker in Kigali, said he plans to open his own business in 2018.

"I have to celebrate, no matter what challenges I faced this year. I am proud of my job but I always try to change things around and see how I can own my business in the New Year. It will depend not on how much I have, but on how smart I will conduct my business,” he added.

However, some passengers had to part with more money than the usual fare.

"I arrived here at 11am, but I have a ticket for 4.40pm. It is not simple to get a ticket, only those who have extra money are given priority. Queuing makes no sense and I opted to leave the line to protect my daughter from being pushed,” said Clementine Mbitondere, a 26-year-old mother who was going to Ngororero District.

For example, some passengers paid Rwf3000 to get a ticket to Huye which normally costs Rwf2510.

Another passenger said he would resort to a motorcycle to Nyanza to avoid the hassle of getting a bus ticket.

On the other hand, Borauzima Awazi, a Congolese university student from Cavendish University in Uganda, who was heading to Bukavu, said he was forced to board from Kigali after a direct bus to Bukavu left him at Gatuna border.

"You can’t understand my frustration. It cost me too much to come here [Kigali] after I was delayed at the border clearing.

editorial@ewtimes.co.rw