Kigali: New System to Help Passengers Know Bus Arrival Times at Waiting Shelters

In a move to improve public transport services and make commuting more convenient, the City of Kigali has announced plans to install electronic signs at bus stops and waiting shelters. These signs will inform passengers of the exact time buses are expected to arrive.

The system is aimed at helping commuters better manage their time and avoid unnecessary delays while waiting for buses whose whereabouts they can’t determine.

City of Kigali spokesperson, Emma Claudine Ntirenganya, said the initiative is part of a broader strategy to modernize and enhance the public transportation system.

“As the system improves further, signs will be placed to show the exact times buses will be passing,” she said.

Commuters see it as a solution

Passengers, who have long complained about long and uncertain wait times, welcomed the new system, saying it will solve many of the issues they face during daily commutes.

“You’ll now be able to reach the bus stop and know how much time is left before the bus arrives, which helps you make quick decisions,” one commuter said.

“Sometimes you wait over 40 minutes not knowing where the bus is. But with this system, we’ll be able to manage our time more effectively,” added another.

Other improvements at bus shelters

In addition to the smart signs, the City of Kigali is upgrading the bus shelters with better seating, weather protection, and spaces where mothers can sit while breastfeeding. Some shelters have also been equipped with free charging ports for phones.

“Today, it was raining heavily in the morning, but I found shelter and waited comfortably,” said Gratien Ndugu, a commuter.

“You can even charge your phone for free, unlike other places where it costs 100 or 200 Rwandan francs,” another added.

Addressing broader transport challenges

The City of Kigali says it is also working to solve other issues affecting public transport, such as long travel times and traffic congestion. One of the proposed solutions is creating dedicated bus lanes to allow buses to move faster, even during rush hours.

Public urged to protect public infrastructure

Ntirenganya also called on the public to protect and preserve the infrastructure in place, highlighting cases where individuals have vandalized benches or equipment for personal gain.

“Some people break benches or steal metal parts to sell them for a small amount of money. We urge everyone to safeguard public property that benefits the community,” she said.