The City of Kigali has launched a pilot program aimed at introducing a scheduled bus departure system along the Downtown–Nyanza and Nyanza–Downtown routes. The initiative, which began on January 16, 2025, will run until January 29, 2025, and seeks to improve the reliability and efficiency of public transportation services in the city.
In a statement released on January 17, 2024, the City of Kigali informed public transport users of the program’s launch. “An experiment is underway to study the methods and requirements to reach a level where buses will depart at fixed and respected times. This is in the context of improving the service provided to public transport users in their journeys in the City of Kigali,” the statement read.
The trial is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Infrastructure, the City of Kigali, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). It is being implemented using buses operated by Royal Express and Yahoo Car.
Timed Departures for Peak and Off-Peak Hours
Under the pilot system, buses will depart every 10 minutes during peak hours, when passenger volumes are high. During off-peak hours, buses will operate at 15-minute intervals. The schedule specifies that buses will depart from Nyanza Station between 5:50 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., while departures from Downtown will run from 5:00 a.m. to 9:55 p.m.
Part of Broader Transportation Reforms
This trial is part of broader efforts by the City of Kigali to enhance the efficiency of public transportation. Recent initiatives include increasing the number of buses in service, implementing a distance-based fare system, and plans to introduce dedicated bus lanes in the near future.
By piloting a timed departure system, the City of Kigali aims to address long-standing concerns about unpredictability in bus schedules and improve the overall commuter experience. Public feedback and data gathered during the trial period will inform the feasibility of expanding the system across other routes in the city.