More buses imported to ease city public transport

Royal Express and Kigali Bus Services (KBS) transport companies on Monday unveiled 15 and 20 new buses respectively, to boost mobility within the City of Kigali (CoK). The latest fleet brings the number of 60-seater buses to over 100 compared to 40 buses that were plying city roads by August last year when three private companies were contracted to address the public transport challenge in the city. Besides KBC and Royal Express, the third company is Rwanda Federation of Transport Cooperatives (RFTC). Speaking at the launch of the buses at Amahoro National Stadium, Dr Alexis Nzahabwanimana, the State Minister in charge of Transport lauded the partnership between transporters, banks and government institutions, which he said has helped in the implementation of the transport policy. “When we published this policy in 2012, many looked at it as a grandoise venture but the fact that more players are coming on board, is very encouraging,” he said. Fidele Ndayisaba, the mayor of the City of Kigali, also lauded efforts by transport companies to improve transport in the city. He said more efforts are being put in this sector, that “one day people will decide to leave their private cars at home to board the cheapest and rapid buses.” Charles Ngarambe, the executive chairman of KBS said 40 more buses will be imported within a month, while Nilla Muneza of Royal Express promised to bring in 15 buses within the same period. The buses, which are fitted with wireless connection, cost Rwf2.6bn.