Bus stations across Kigali were bustling with activity on Tuesday, December 31st as passengers rushed to board buses to different upcountry districts to celebrate the new year with families.

Many of the excited passengers said it was important to end the year and start another one with family.

"I must start the New Year with my family. That’s how I was raised," said Esther Murekatete, waiting for a bus at Nyabugogo Bus Park to Burera District.

"Starting the New Year with family is like watering the roots of a plant," she explained.

Murekatete arrived at 10:30 a.m. and managed to secure a bus scheduled to leave an hour later. "During the festive season, getting a bus is not easy, but I’m lucky,” she said.

Jean Bosco Nkurunziza, who was traveling to Huye shared similar sentiments:

"The New Year is a path, and family is the light that shows us the way." Reflecting on improved transport management, he added, "In the past, bus parks were overcrowded during the festive season, but now we head to Kigali Pele Stadium instead. Even though buses are still limited, there’s no more overcrowding or pickpockets taking advantage of us."

Eric Nsabimana, en route to Ruhango District from Rwamagana, said he had to switch to Nyabugogo Bus Park to secure a seat.

"I must celebrate with my family," he said. "Even though I’m being overcharged Rwf 2,500 instead of the usual Rwf 1,500, I’m ready to pay. I have to end the year and begin the new one with my family."

For Grace Uwimfura, waiting for a bus to Nyanza district at Kigali Pele Stadium proved frustrating.

"I came from the hospital in Kanombe and have been waiting since 9 a.m. My ticket is for 1 p.m.," she said.

Meanwhile Public transport buses in Kigali will operate 24 hours a day from December 31 until January 5, with all city transport operators extending their hours on New Year’s Eve to accommodate increased nighttime travel demands.

The initiative aims to provide safe and reliable transportation for commuters, particularly those celebrating the transition from one year to the next. After December 31, only buses operating on the Nyabugogo-Kabuga and Downtown-Remera-Kanombe routes will remain operational overnight until January 5.

The Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) recently designated new boarding points in Kigali to reduce congestion at Nyabugogo Bus Station. From December 23-24 and December 30-31, passengers traveling to southern corridor destinations—including Kamonyi, Muhanga, Ruhango, Nyanza, Huye, and beyond—are boarding buses at Kigali Pele Stadium in Nyamirambo.

Those heading east (to Rwamagana, Kayonza, Gatsibo, and other districts) use the Kabuga Bus Park, while passengers traveling north (to Gicumbi, Musanze, Rubavu, and more) board buses at Nyabugogo. Travelers to Bugesera now use Nyanza Bus Park in Kicukiro.

These changes were meant to ease travel for thousands of passengers, ensuring they can spend the festive season and New Year with their loved ones.