Things in Rwanda, not just Kigali, change very fast that keeping up with them needs someone’s constant presence. A few weeks away can make a huge difference, so it would make sense if one came back after that period to find major changes in infrastructure.

But turning public transport around in that period of time is not guaranteed. Someone who left Kigali 15 years ago would swear upon his or her loved ones that there was nothing to streamline public transport, especially the minibus taxis that packed in front of "Kwa Rubangura”.

The noise, the chaos, the pickpockets and the running battles between hawkers and city authorities seemed out of control, but somehow the city authorities pulled it off.

The chaotic public transport was the source of most of the mess, but once it was harnessed and regulated, pieces started falling into place.

The 14-seater buses were thrown out of the city and replaced by large-capacity buses. Routes were drawn up and divided among several players in the transport sector and a cashless Tap-and-Go payment system was introduced which later proved valuable in tracking data.

That was just the first phase, code-named "Generation One” that has seen 160,000 passengers getting on the buses daily in the city. Now authorities want to embark on "Generation Two” that will see the introduction of timetables, designated bus lanes and reducing waiting and travel times and lots of technology.

All the above will definitely be achieved save one. That nature of our roads (very narrow) will make it difficult to reserve designated bus lanes without disrupting normal traffic. There is nowhere to expand unless many roadside buildings are torn down.

Some time ago there was the talk of introducing cable cars which is ideal because of our topography challenge. Maybe that is where transport stakeholders should focus, even if it is not in the very near future.

editor@newtimesrwanda.com