Taxi-motorists need two-years experience to ply Kigali city roads

As part of the ongoing efforts to curtail accidents caused by commercial motorcycle operators commonly known as Taxi Motos, in the City of Kigali, the federation to which operators subscribe has proposed that one needs experience of at least two years to work within the city.Ferwacotamo, says that the decision is premised on the belief that new riders find it hard to navigate through the city jam, with features like roundabouts and traffic lights.According to Eric Nisingizwe, the coordinator of the federation, the idea was first mooted by motorists’ representatives and then presented and discussed during a meeting with City of Kigali officials last month.The meeting was also attended by representatives from Rwanda National Police and it was agreed that the federation maintain consultations with members before a final decision is reached.Nisingizwe told Saturday Times that the proposal, once adopted, will not affect existing procedures.“One is allowed to work just after obtaining a driving licence. This has nothing to do with replacing the existing law. It would just be an instruction to minimise accidents within the city,” he said.Nisingizwe said the two years’ experience will not be considered for those who have been operating in Kigali because they are used to working in such crowded and attention-demanding places. Cyclists protestThe new plan has come under criticism from cyclists.Alexandre Suwanjye, who operates from Kinamba in Nyarugenge, said while he agrees that operating in the city requires experience, two years is too long a time. “It’s an investment like any other business. I would suggest instead newcomers to the city to approach experienced riders and follow them for a short period so they get used to riding in the city,” he said. Dominique Ndatimana, who plies the Remera–city route, also said two-year experience is uncalled for. “The period should not be the focus; instead instruct inexperienced drivers not to rush to city centre but start from the less congested areas,” said Ndatimana. Supt. Jean Marie Vianney Ndushabandi, the National Police Traffic and Road Safety spokesperson, said what Police does is to give those who qualify for riding permits and it has nothing to do with the new proposal. “It is an internal organisation. One is allowed to work after he⁄she gets a riding permit,” he said. “Working for many years does not necessarily limit accidents. This is an issue of motorists not respecting the law and instructions.” According to police, 545 motor accidents were recorded from January to April 2013, where 368 people were injured and 27 killed. What instructors sayEmmanuel Twagirayezu, the leader of Sainte Famille Driving School in Kigali wondered what would happen if people got riding permits, kept them for two years and then went on road.Two years experience is uncalled for and it would derail the process of riders getting the required experience, said Twagirayezu. “We focus much on traffic regulations but don’t introduce our students to riding in congested areas such as the city traffic navigation, defensive skills and many others, but we are going to see if we integrate it,” said Twagirayezu.