The model, approved by the Cabinet on 28 November, is designed to improve efficiency, passenger experience and accountability across the city's bus network.
At the centre of the reform is Ecofleet Solutions, a newly created state-owned company that will coordinate, supervise and professionalise bus operations in the capital.
The model shifts focus from revenue-driven operations to service-based performance, a move authorities say will eliminate chronic overcrowding and long waits that have plagued commuters.
Ecofleet to oversee all transport operations
Under the new system, Ecofleet Solutions will monitor the city's entire public transport ecosystem, from route planning and bus deployment to daily service quality. Private operators will continue to own buses and employ staff, but financial management, monitoring and performance evaluation will fall under Ecofleet.
Key changes
The new model introduces tighter operational controls across the public transport system, including a strict limit of ten minutes for buses at terminals and no more than three minutes at regular stops.
Fare collection will shift entirely to centralised digital systems, while operators will be compensated based on service quality rather than passenger numbers.
The framework also imposes firm penalties for any cash transactions or other forms of non-compliance, signalling a move toward a more orderly and accountable urban transport network.
The model will remove incentives for operators to overload buses or delay departures, a common source of complaints among Kigali commuters.
Technology to drive accountability
Advanced technology will underpin the new transport framework. Real-time systems will track bus movements, delays and overall performance. Updated timetables, both physical and digital, will be displayed at bus stops, while smartphone users will be able to locate nearby stops, track arrival times and view bus routes.
Payment options will widen beyond Tap & Go to include bank cards and Mobile Money, all routed through Ecofleet's centralised payment system.
Electrification at the heart of the reform
Rwanda aims to transition to a fully electric public bus fleet by the end of 2026. Ecofleet will introduce 190 electric buses of its own and lease an additional 110 from private operators. The initial rollout will focus on the Downtownâ€"Sonatubesâ€"Remera corridor before expanding to other key routes, including Sonatubesâ€"Gahanga and Nyabugogoâ€"Gishushu.
The system formally launches on December 2, 2025, with infrastructure preparations nearing completion.
Minister of State for Infrastructure Eng. Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye emphasised that fares will not change during the trial period, urging residents to take advantage of the improved system.
'Buses will be cleaner, safer and more reliable,' he said, adding that senior officials will also rely on public transport to demonstrate confidence in the reform.
The overhaul builds on earlier commitments made during the 18th National Umushyikirano Council in February 2023, when the government pledged to reinforce Kigali's transport system with more than 300 new buses. With government-backed subsidies, operators have already acquired around 200 buses, all of which have arrived in the city.
Pilot tests on the Kabugaâ€"Nyabugogo corridor in May 2025 helped inform the new model by assessing the feasibility of non-waiting, high-frequency bus operations.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/what-to-expect-from-kigali-s-new-public-transport-model
