KARONGI - Transport along the Kigali-Karongi route has suffered a major blow with Sotra, the main transport company pulling out and another threatening to quit forcing    transport fares to rise from Rwf1700 to Rwf2000.

Sotra pulled out of the route two days ago due to huge losses and International Express, another service provider, is also said to be on the verge of closing down.

However Sotra offices were immediately taken over by closest rivals Capital express which now remains the only operator along this route.

International Express is subsidiary of the Association of Commuter Taxi Drivers (ATRACO) that was recently introduced to ply routes outside Kigali city.

Sotra Tours and Capital Express gave contradicting explanations regarding the development.

Jean Marie Vianney Rumanyika, the proprietor of Sotra Tours, told The New Times that a mutual agreement to pursue a combined business programme with Capital Express had been reached, but the latter has denied such claims.

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