He made the remarks during a media discussion focused on ongoing changes in public transport across the city.
Currently, the City of Kigali has introduced dedicated bus lanes for public transport, while encouraging private car owners to opt for buses instead.
This move aims to improve fuel efficiency amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, reduce traffic congestion, and speed up travel.
However, one of the major concerns raised by commuters is the lack of reliable, real-time information about buses. Many passengers spend long periods waiting at bus stops, sometimes only for buses to arrive already full.
To address this, the new technology is expected to provide accurate, real-time updates on bus locations and available seats.
Rukera explained that although the system is already in use, it has not yet been officially launched as it is still undergoing testing.
“We have started using this technology, but we have not yet introduced it to the public because it is still being tested. As you know, with technology, you first test it thoroughly before presenting it,” he said.
He added that out of the 320 buses currently operating in Kigali, the system can already track their locations and monitor how they are being driven.
The next step is to integrate artificial intelligence capable of counting passengers on board and providing real-time updates.
Rukera also revealed that on routes such as Rwandex toward Sonatubes and Kacyiru, some bus stops are already equipped with smart displays showing estimated arrival times and passenger capacity.
“This is a project we have been working on for about six months. We started with existing systems that allow us to track bus movements and schedules, as well as monitor drivers. Our goal is to extend this information to passengers, not only at bus stops but also to those at home through a mobile application,” he explained.
He further noted that Rwanda is collaborating with the navigation platform Waze, allowing even those without the dedicated app to access nearby bus stop information via the internet, making it easier to plan their journeys.
Transport analyst Prof. Egide Karuranga, who also participated in the discussion, emphasized that adopting such technology will significantly improve public transport services.
He explained that passengers will be able to check, for example, if a bus scheduled for noon is delayed until 12:15, see that it will arrive in five minutes, and know whether seats are available before it arrives.
Karuranga added that such systems could also be expanded to better serve vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women and people with disabilities, by helping them decide whether to board a bus or wait for one with available seating.
He also pointed out the need to reduce the number of pedestrian crossings that cause buses to stop frequently, noting that this contributes to delays and increases the risk of accidents.
“Public transport is essential because it supports all aspects of sustainable development, from the economy to technology,” he said.
Karuranga further highlighted that traffic congestion, largely driven by the use of private cars, has a significant economic cost. He estimated that if a person spends one hour in traffic daily, it amounts to about 320 hours per year, equivalent to roughly 40 working days lost. When multiplied across many people, this has a serious impact on the national economy.
Kigali City spokesperson Emma Claudine Ntirenganya also encouraged residents to embrace public transport, noting that while it is not mandatory to leave private cars at home, doing so benefits both individuals and the country.
“When you choose to take a bus and leave your car at home, it is not just a personal benefit; it also serves the national interest, especially in these times, because it helps extend the country’s fuel reserves,” she said.
The ongoing efforts reflect Rwanda’s broader push to modernize public transport and promote more efficient, sustainable urban mobility in Kigali.
Leave a Reply