The move comes as Rwanda continues encouraging residents to use public transport following the sharp rise in global and local fuel prices.
Since the campaign began, the number of daily bus commuters in the City of Kigali has increased from 180,000 to 230,000 passengers.
Uwihanganye explained that the recently introduced bus lanes were designed to improve efficiency by allowing buses to move faster and depart at intervals of five minutes.
“Since last week, when these bus lanes were introduced, buses operating within those lanes are expected to depart every five minutes and move quickly,” he said.
Passengers using the buses say transport services have improved compared to before, noting that buses no longer spend excessive time stuck in traffic or waiting to fill up with passengers before departing.
“The fact that people appreciate the service is reflected in the numbers. In just one week, 10,000 more passengers started using buses, and this is only the beginning,” Uwihanganye added.
He also noted that traffic congestion has eased, especially during peak hours when vehicles previously remained stuck for long periods during morning and evening commutes.
The City of Kigali recently designated several large public parking areas to support the park-and-ride initiative, where motorists can leave their private cars and continue their journeys using buses.
The designated parking areas include Kabuga Bus Park, Stade Amahoro parking area in Rwahama, Kigali Pele Stadium, the former Magerwa site in Ruyenzi, Kamonyi District, and Gahanga.
Fuel prices in Rwanda have continued to rise sharply, with a litre of petrol currently costing Rwf2,938 while diesel is priced at Rwf2,205 per litre.
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