The government of Rwanda has implemented new changes in Kigali’s public transport, leading to the termination of a directive that previously permitted owners of seven-seater vehicles to ferry passengers without a transport operator licence.
Initially introduced as a temporary solution to address the scarcity of buses and long queues at bus stations, the directive allowed unlicensed seven-seater car owners to transport passengers at a negotiated fare without paying taxes. However, Minister of Infrastructure, Jimmy Gasore, has announced that the government has now taken further long-term measures to resolve these issues in the city’s public transport system.
Gasore highlighted the government’s latest intervention, involving the purchase of 200 buses provided at a subsidised price for potential investors, as a step towards addressing the challenges faced in public transport in the long run. He emphasized that the owners of unlicensed seven-seater vehicles did not pay taxes and were not considered as businesspeople.
Gasore clarified that the temporary move was aimed at bridging the gap in public transport and communicated that those wishing to continue as public transport operators must now obtain a taxi licence. Effective December 15, individuals interested in investing in public transport can apply for a licence under the new guidelines.
Under the revised regulations, cooperatives, companies, or individuals who own buses meeting the requirements for public transportation in Kigali will be allowed to operate after obtaining a licence from the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority. This move represents a significant shift in the public transport landscape in Kigali, aimed at improving the overall quality and structure of the city’s transportation system.
