Dear Editor,

I am very much disturbed by the constant shortage of public transport vehicles in Kigali City. The climax of the scarcity is felt most during the rush hours. 

People usually get stranded at bus stops and taxi parks simply because vehicles are no where to be seen. When a taxi or bus happens to appear, there is a lot of scampering.

It is a survival for the fittest issue. As if this is not enough, the taxis and buses are filled to capacity with passengers, making the whole public transport experience rather a nightmare.

Currently, the association of transporters (ATRACO) has over 850 minibuses, 15 coasters and two big buses, while the government-owned transport company, ONATRACOM, has 22 buses, with a seating capacity of 60 passengers.

Other transport companies have 22 coasters altogether. But most of these commuter vehicles operate within Kigali City, leaving other parts of the country under-served.

This situation shows how much the road transport system in Kigali is lacking. The current transport crisis is a result of increased travelers in relation to the few numbers of vehicles.

I think that the problem is also due to poor planning on the part the of transport sector. Let the government attract more investors in the transport sector. Reipa do something!

Kicukiro