All commuter taxi operators in Kicukiro district who will be caught working outside the newly opened bus terminal will be penalized accordingly, District Mayor, Paul Jules Ndamage has warned.

"We have put in place new measures to ensure that all taxi operators go to this park and not to operate from outside,” Ndamage said yesterday.

The first ever taxi park in the district, worth Rwf 300m was officially opened early last month to avoid congestion and accidents that were common  at the Kicukiro trading Centre, next the market.

However, the new park built about two kilometres from Kicukiro Centre, along Kicukiro – Bugesera road has rarely been utilized by these operators who claim the location of the park is not conducive for their transport business. 

"Together with the national police we have opted to have police presence in Kicukiro Centre to ensure that all taxis to use the new taxi park,” Ndamage said, "In the past few days, operators have started using the new infrastructure.”

The Mayor added that they are working hand-in-hand with ATRACO, the commuter taxi association to ensure the new rule is respected.

Most operators had, however, called for immediate intervention by concerned authorities to increase the transport fare from the current Rwf 150 since the new park is a little further, leading to increasing operational costs.

Ndamage, however, said the issue of fares is being discussed with relevant authorities.

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