Kigali expands public bus lanes and pilots airport shuttle

What's happened

Kigali has expanded dedicated bus lanes and introduced a pilot airport shuttle to improve reliability and cut travel times. The reforms, delivered by Ecofleet Solutions, include fixed schedules, longer bus corridors, new routes and planned electric buses. Early data show higher ridership and shorter journeys, with ongoing route adjustments and a focus on preventing buses from leaving terminals until full.

What's behind the headline?

Analysis

The expansion of continuous bus lanes across major corridors is intended to improve reliability and reduce travel times, with early data showing a rise in daily bus passengers from 200,000 to around 230,000 on workdays.
The shift to fixed departure schedules and larger buses aims to boost capacity and reduce queue wait times, while allowing route adjustments in response to demand.
The introduction of an airport shuttle during a pilot phase tests integration with airport traffic and staff mobility, potentially establishing a model for further intermodal links.
Watch for implementation dates on new routes and the rollout of 50 electric buses by month’s end, which could further alter travel times and rider experience.
Overall, the reforms reflect a move toward a more predictable, regulated, and electrified public transport system, which could raise ridership if expansion remains well-coordinated across modes.

How we got here

The city has expanded bus lanes and transferred bus operations to Ecofleet Solutions, a state-owned company. Reforms aim to reduce congestion, improve punctuality, and encourage use of public transport. A pilot airport shuttle is testing route efficiency and demand while schedules are aligned to flight times if successful.

Our analysis

All Africa reports on Kigali’s public transport reforms and Ecofleet Solutions; The New Times provides statements from Emma Claudine Ntirenganya on route adjustments and service improvements.

Go deeper

Will Kigali’s new routes relieve congestion on the busiest corridors?
How quickly will electric buses be deployed citywide?
Will the airport shuttle operate on a fixed timetable if the pilot proves successful?