Starting March 16, 2024, passengers utilizing public transportation will experience an increase in fares following the government’s decision to eliminate subsidies in the sector.
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the government had been subsidizing one-third of the fare for passengers since October 2020. With the removal of these subsidies, commuters will face higher fares, stated Minister of Infrastructure, Jimmy Gasore.
Previously, for example, if a passenger had to pay Rwf 3,000 for a journey from Kigali to Musanze, they only paid Rwf 2,000 while the government covered the remaining Rwf 1,000.
The government had been subsidizing public transport costs by 40 to 50 percent, which has now ceased. Consequently, public transport fares will rise by the same percentage. The funds previously allocated for these subsidies will now be redirected to other services for citizens, Gasore explained.
“Furthermore, the government has eliminated internet costs from public fares that were previously imposed on commuters. This adjustment was made due to the impending increase in public transport fares resulting from the subsidy removal. A trial period of paying public transport fares based on the distance traveled by each passenger is underway and will be announced at a later date,” he added.
In the meantime, public transport companies are still awaiting payment of Rwf30 billion in outstanding arrears from the government, as confirmed by officials to the media.
A glance at some new public transport fares
On Tuesday, the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) revealed updated pricing, which includes a fare of Rwf307 for the journey from Remera Bus Park to Downtown Bus Park via Sonatube. This represents a 40 percent increase from the previous fare of Rwf220 for the same route.
The utility will charge Rwf741 as fare from Kabuga Bus Park to Nyabugogo Bus Park via Sonatube, Rwf307 from Remera Bus Park to Nyabugogo Bus Park via Sonatube, Rwf340 from Nyanza Bus Park to Downtown Bus Park, Rwf323 from Nyanza Bus Park to Kimironko Bus Park.
Passengers from Nyabugogo to Nyanza will pay Rwf422 while those from Nyanza Bus Park to Downtown will pay Rwf390 and Rwf364 from Nyanza to Kacyiru Bus stop, Rwf355 from Kimironko Park to Downtown Bus Park, and Rwf371 from Kacyiru Park to Downtown Bus Park.
