Kigali City is set to pilot Dedicated Bus Lanes (DBL) within the next six months, according to City Spokesperson Emma-Claudine Ntirenganya. Dedicated bus lanes are designed to separate buses from general traffic, allowing them to bypass congestion and move more freely through the city.

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The initiative is part of a broader government strategy to reduce traffic congestion by phasing out the use of private cars on certain roads in Kigali, encouraging increased public transport use.

"Within six months, we will begin testing dedicated bus lanes, where specific parts of the road will be reserved exclusively for buses during peak hours, ensuring they remain unobstructed by other vehicles,” Ntirenganya explained.

The city is currently establishing the necessary infrastructure for this pilot project. In September 2023, Kigali announced plans to designate three road networks as dedicated bus lanes during peak hours to address traffic congestion in the capital.

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The initial pilot will cover the Central Business District-Rwandex-Sonatubes-Giporoso road. Future phases will extend to other routes such as Central Business District-Kimironko and Central Business District-Kicukiro.

Under the National Strategy for Transformation (NST1), a total of 22 km of dedicated bus lanes were planned by 2024. This initiative is expected to halve the average waiting time for buses during peak hours from 30 minutes to 15 minutes.

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Ntirenganya also highlighted plans to expand road junctions to improve traffic flow and safety. "We will be expanding roads leading out of Kigali, starting with routes toward the Eastern and Southern Provinces," she added.

Alternative Roads

In response to current congestion, the city has constructed alternative roads. These include routes such as Kimicanga-Kacyiru-Golf Course-Nyarutarama, which provides access for residents of Kibagabaga, Kimironko, and Remera to the city center without using main roads.

Another key route is the road that is behind the former Sports View Hotel opposite Amahoro Stadium to Kagara, Baho Hospital, and Nyarutarama, which helps alleviate congestion on the Gishushu road. Similarly, the new road from Kabeza, Mu Itunda to Busanza offers an alternative for travelers from Kanombe, Niboyi, and other areas to avoid the Giporoso-City Centre road.

Additionally, a new route from Portofino Hotel and the Manor Hotel to Nyarutarama and Kibagabaga is available, while the Kabeza-Busanza road provides relief for those traveling to and from the city center.

The city plans to construct 40 new flyovers and four-lane roads to further ease congestion. The Nyabugogo bus terminal will also be revamped between 2025 and 2027, with costs estimated between $100 million and $150 million.

Cable Car Transport

Kigali is also exploring the development of a cable car transport system. While the study for this project is complete, details on the nine proposed routes have not yet been disclosed.

Ntirenganya indicated that financing may come from development partners or private developers.