On Wednesday, October 8, 2025, Rugigana Evariste, the Director General of the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA), announced a plan to reduce the number of commercial motorcycles transporting passengers in Kigali City. He made the announcement during a meeting with the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Security.
Rugigana said the decision aims to improve public transportation and support the government’s initiative to promote mass transit, particularly scheduled public buses that operate efficiently.
He stated:
“We must professionalize public transport, reduce motorcycles and other vehicles in order to ensure road safety. Sometimes there are up to 50 vehicles in traffic congestion, yet some of them carry only one passenger — this must change.”
He further explained that one reason people opt for motorcycles is the lack of fast and reliable alternatives, but this is expected to change with the government’s new public transport system.
“Once we establish an efficient public transport system, the demand for motorcycles will decline. People will no longer choose motorcycles simply due to a lack of faster options,” Rugigana emphasized, explaining that passengers will be given more convenient and affordable choices without long waiting times.
He also said that, to achieve this goal, a government-owned public transport company has been established in Kigali City, as it was observed that private operators mainly focused on their own profits rather than the interests of passengers.
He announced that the new system for transporting people and goods will be launched in Kigali in November 2025, and it is expected to help reduce the number of motorcycles and small vehicles used for personal transport, thereby easing traffic congestion and improving road safety.
Motorcycles play a significant role in mobility for Kigali residents, with many relying on them due to their speed, accessibility, and ability to navigate peak-hour traffic. They also support the livelihoods of many people, including riders, owners, mechanics, and spare parts dealers.
