Kigali’s handicapped public transport

Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, has been making significant strides in improving its public transport system. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, public transport expert Chris Kost highlighted the advancements that Kigali has made in transforming its transportation system. The city has successfully consolidated informal operators into a single operating company, introduced higher capacity vehicles, and transitioned drivers to salaried contracts with benefits. These changes have positioned Kigali as a model for other cities in the region seeking to enhance their public transport networks. Despite the progress, Kigali faces challenges typical of urban areas worldwide, such as growing traffic congestion. Kost emphasized the importance of creating dedicated space for public transport to alleviate congestion effectively. He advocated for the implementation of a bus rapid transit (BRT) system, which involves buses operating in special lanes, stopping at stations, and offering efficient, high-capacity service at a lower cost compared to traditional metro systems. To further enhance Kigali's public transport system, Kost underscored the need for investment in infrastructure. He outlined opportunities for both operators and government investment, with a focus on procuring new buses, building dedicated lanes and stations for BRT, and upgrading last-mile access for passengers. In response to the Ministry of Infrastructure's commitment to introducing 300 new buses within the next few months, Kost highlighted the importance of adopting a sustainable business model. He emphasized the need for operators to be incentivized based on service quality and on-time performance. Additionally, Kost stressed that the new buses should be compatible with the BRT infrastructure planned for Kigali, ensuring a seamless transition to the new system. Looking ahead, Kost outlined a roadmap for revamping Kigali's public transport system within the next five years. He emphasized the expansion of the fleet, improvement of the business model, and the implementation of the BRT system as key priorities. Drawing on successful BRT implementations in other cities, Kost expressed confidence in Kigali's ability to replicate the same level of success. Regarding access to public transport, Kost advocated for creating a high-quality system accessible to all residents, rather than exclusive services for specific groups. The goal is to provide efficient and reliable public transport that encourages people to shift from private cars to public transit, ultimately reducing congestion and improving overall mobility in the city. In assessing Kigali's progress towards becoming BRT-friendly, Kost noted that the city has completed a feasibility study and explored financing options for the system. He highlighted the readiness of development banks to support the implementation of BRT in Kigali, signaling a promising future for the city's public transport network.