Africa-Press – Rwanda. As part of the effort to ensure smart transport in the country, sector regulator, Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) in 2017 introduced the smart metres for taxi motos, but the initiative has been suspended on different occassions over a number of issues.
The suspension was previously attributed to defective metres, then there was an issue of inadequate gadgets and later complaints by the taxi moto riders that they were being overcharged, among others.
Motorcycle operators, however, have now been requested by the regulator to get the metres ready as their use will once again be made compulsory soon.
Aaron Kwizera, a rider who mainly operates in Nyarugenge District, said that while it is fine to reintroduce the mandatory use of the metres, it was important that the regulator looks into the complaints they raised regarding the use of the gadgets.
“We are not against the use of smart metres but there are some challenges we faced and reported to the authorities. I hope they consider them so the implementation of the project can succeed without hindrance,” Kwizera said.
Some passengers, on the other hand, are glad the metres are coming back.
Aline Kayitesi, a Kigali resident who uses taxi-motos regularly, is happy that the use of metres is back because some riders overcharge passengers.
“I have heard that metres are coming back, and for me, it is exciting news. With these gadgets we don’t bargain with motorcycle operators, some of them overcharge, especially when you do not exactly know your destination,” she said.
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Jean-Pierre Mubiligi, the coordinator of the project at RURA, confirmed the re-introduction of the smart metres to The New Times, and disclosed that a statement will be released in which all concerns raised will be addressed.
Previously, the fare price for the first two kilometres was Rwf400 and Rwf117 per kilometre for the rest of the journey. Beyond 40 kilometres, the tariff rose to Rwf205.
Currently, in the City of Kigali, 23,000 motorcyclists have smart metres and the installation process is still ongoing.
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