Kigali, April 23, 2026 — About 50 electric buses are expected to be introduced on the roads of Rwanda’s capital by May, as part of the city’s continued push to modernize public transport and reduce emissions.This latest expansion comes alongside the rollout of extended dedicated bus lanes aimed at easing traffic congestion and encouraging more residents to use public transport.Aubin Rukera, Chief Executive Officer of Ecofleet Solutions — the state-owned company managing public transport in Kigali — confirmed the development.“Twenty electric buses will be deployed on Friday, April 24, coinciding with the launch of the extended dedicated bus lanes,” Rukera said. “More buses are expected to arrive shortly after that, bringing the total to about 50 by May.”The initial 20 buses will serve four key routes:
- Downtown–Payage–Kanogo–Rwandex–Sonatube–Giporoso
- Sonatube–Kicukiro Centre–Nyanza Bus Park
- Downtown–former 1930 Prison–Nyabugogo Bus Park
- Downtown–Gloria Hotel–City Plaza
With the new dedicated lanes, bus frequency is set to improve significantly — from every 10 minutes during peak hours to every five minutes — offering commuters faster and more reliable service.
Broader Vision for Sustainable Mobility
The deployment of these electric buses is part of a larger government strategy to transform Kigali’s public transport system. Officials aim to build a predominantly state-owned fleet of around 300 buses, most of them fully electric, by June 2027. Approximately 190 buses are expected to be added by the end of this year. Rukera noted that recent reforms have already boosted public transport usage by about 30% compared to late last year. Rising fuel prices are also expected to drive even more commuters toward buses, making the expansion timely.“In the long term, we are working towards having more electric buses under the system,” he added. “This will help reduce reliance on private operators and improve overall efficiency.”The move aligns with Rwanda’s broader commitment to green mobility, cleaner air, and reduced carbon emissions in line with its Vision 2050 goals. The introduction of these additional electric buses is expected to further ease pressure on Kigali’s roads while providing a more comfortable and environmentally friendly commuting experience for residents.
