KIGALI - Public transport fares are expected to rise very soon following a unanimous decision by transport operators to increase countrywide fares to meet the high costs of operation.

The development was confirmed yesterday by Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Agency (RURA).

Speaking to The New Times yesterday, Colonel Deogene Mudenge, the Director General of RURA confirmed that a committee of transport operators is currently discussing with the regulator on the proposed increment of fares.

He denied on-going reports that the fares would rise in the rage of between 70-100 percent of the prevailing charges.

"What I can confirm is that we are indeed discussing the issue and as regulators we will do our research to confirm whether the increment is indeed justified and then the operators and other stakeholders will decide the increment before the cabinet confirms it,” Mudenge said.

He however said that not only transport fares are being discussed for a possible increase. Prices of consumables and other services could also hike in the near future.

"We are currently reviewing the price year as we always do every now and then. The ministries of commerce and finance always review prices of different commodities and services and the Cabinet meeting approves the changes.

He said that RURA only comes in to regulate so that the set prices are implemented.

Recent reports reveal a plan by transport operators to increase fares by almost 100 percent, citing rising fuel prices, expensive spare parts and costly vehicle maintenance as the major reasons.

Unconfirmed reports mainly attributed to private transporters say charges for passengers plying routes within the city centre were expected to double from the current 150 to between Rwf250 and Rwf300.

Fares for upcountry could rise by an average of 50 percent.

However, unconfirmed reports indicate that the regulators might stick to increasing to about Rwf 170.

"Its true operators are enduring hard times, spare parts such as tyres are costly, pump prices have gone up and we think there is a need to raise fares if we are to continue working but the increase can’t be by 100 percent,” said Colonel (Rtd) Ludovic Twahirwa (Dodo), the Chairperson of transport operators in the country.

The RURA boss however urged the public not to panic as the increment would be minimal, adding that it will also be favourable to consumers but not operators alone.

He denied that expected price increments on consumer goods and services are not a result of the global financial crisis.

Neighbouring countries have been directly affected by the crisis with prices on consumer goods and services increasing by almost a 3-fold, but Rwanda has managed to stay afloat, experiencing a minimal effect.

In a related development, Twahirwa said that public transport woes especially congestion in Kigali City at peak hours will now be history as a new taxi park in downtown Kigali is nearing completion.

Ends