Kigali, 10th February, 2016- The Ministry of Infrastructure held a one day meeting with all representatives of national transport companies and other stakeholders with the aim of promoting professionalism in public transport Sector.

The meeting, chaired by the Hon. Minister of Infrastructure James MUSONI, aimed at harmonizing discussions on different modalities of improving service delivery in the sector of transport as well as addressing other persistent problems in both urban and inter-city transport.

Participants of this meeting included representatives of stakeholders such as Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA), City of Kigali, Rwanda National Police, Private sector and public transport service providers from across the country. After assessing the current situation in transport sector, the meeting attendees appreciated various initiatives put in place to boost good service delivery in transport sector.

Improvements made in urban transport

Following the improved route process and its corresponding tender that occurred in August 2013, tremendous results have been achieved, ranging from reducing the waiting time at bus stops to having an increased number of new bigger buses that replaced the smaller ones (Minibuses). Buses of 32-60 seats increased to 40 in 2015 from 5 in 2013, and buses of 25-32 seats commonly known as “coasters” increased to 411 in 2015 from 246 in 2013. With the same initiative, small buses of 18 seats also known as “Twegerane” reduced to 133 from 575, which were in service in 2013.

The Director General of RURA also said that the government put in place a number of initiatives to enhance public transport. These include; Electronic Ticketing Systems for inter–city buses, Mobile phone-based Booking Systems in some inter–city bus companies, Automated Fare Collection used by KBS Ltd. in the CoK, Taximeters in taxi cabs, Free wifi internet in Kigali City Buses, Bus Information System (BIS), Motorcycle Taxis and taxi cabs booking systems to mention but a few.

“These initiatives have greatly improved the service delivery, and financial leakages have greatly reduced. Hence, we are recommending all stakeholders to scale up even to the places not currently reached.” The Director General added.

Honorable James MUSONI, Minister of Infrastructure, asked the participants to embrace these new initiatives that will reduce accidents, long queues at bus stops and the waiting time. “I recommend you to initiate deliberate plans to implement these initiatives. For them to be successful, you are called upon to develop effective communication mechanisms, which will include transport service users playing a role in the implementation of new initiatives” the Minister urged.

Such upcoming initiatives are; Automated Fare Collection (AFC) for all transport companies in Kigali, Web-based bus booking systems, Drivers Vocational Cards (DVCs) and Speed Governors.

The meeting agreed to reinforce professionalism in public transport systems and enhance collaboration with the Ministry of Infrastructure and other stakeholders, by always exchanging views for more investments in transport sector.