{"id":102726,"date":"2025-06-03T18:18:51","date_gmt":"2025-06-03T18:18:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/distance-based-fare-system-improves-kigali-bus-fares"},"modified":"2025-06-03T18:42:38","modified_gmt":"2025-06-03T18:42:38","slug":"distance-based-fare-system-improves-kigali-bus-fares","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/photo\/distance-based-fare-system-improves-kigali-bus-fares","title":{"rendered":"Distance-Based Fare System Improves Kigali Bus Fares"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Rwanda. <\/strong><\/span>A distance-based fare system continues to roll out across bus routes in Kigali, with commuters reporting improved cost fairness despite persistent technical issues and limited public understanding.<\/p>\n

Under the system launched on December 4, 2024, passengers pay fares proportional to the distance travelled and are refunded if they disembark before reaching the final stop. A Tap&Go card is used at entry and exit points to track the distance covered and a refund is duly given.<\/p>\n

Gilbert Mucyo, a resident of Muhima Sector in Nyarugenge District, regularly uses the Nyabugogo\u2013Kimironko route. He said he once paid Rwf502 and expected around Rwf200 refund after getting off at Gishushu, but the system malfunctioned.<\/p>\n

\u201cI tapped the card and ended up losing the extra money. I was told to wait a few minutes, but the bus was moving and I had already reached my stop,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

For some commuters, the system is working as envisioned. Amiel Nyirinkindi, who resides in Ndera Sector, Gasabo District, often uses a bus on the Kimironko-Kabuga route and regularly receives a Rwf185 refund after paying Rwf506, as he leaves the bus and takes another trip home before the bus reaches the bus station.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s especially helpful for people who take multiple trips. The challenge is when buses change routes due to traffic or road closures, then the system doesn\u2019t work properly and the refund doesn\u2019t cant be done.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jaqueline Uwimana, a regular commuter on the Nyanza\u2013Downtown route, noted that many passengers are unaware of the refund feature.<\/p>\n

\u201cSome don\u2019t even tap their cards when getting off while they leave before reaching the bus stations. I often go to the last stop, so I don\u2019t use the refund system much myself,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Nadine Ishimwe, another city resident from Nyamirambo Sector, in Nyarugenge District, shared the same view.<\/p>\n

\u201cI always tap my card again before getting off to get the balance. But I have never checked if the money actually goes back,\u201d she admitted.<\/p>\n

Drivers\u2019 perspectives<\/p>\n

Alphonse Nkuranga, a bus driver who operates on the Downtown\u2013Gikondo route, said refunds depend on strict adherence to designated roads.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen a bus changes route, to avoid traffic, or route closures, the GPS disconnects and passengers won\u2019t be refunded until the bus rejoins the original path,\u201d Nkuranga said. Some commuters use one card to tap in for multiple people to tap in and out. \u201cThe system may deduct money again, thinking it\u2019s a new trip. Also, the refund sound is softer than the payment sound, so passengers often miss it,\u201d Nkuranga said.<\/p>\n

To address such confusion, drivers advise passengers to wait briefly after tapping before removing the card.<\/p>\n

\u201cEven if there\u2019s a slight deduction for the first kilometre, they usually get the balance,\u201d he noted.<\/p>\n

Charles Hagenimana, who drives on the Remera\u2013Downtown route, said the system reduced passenger complaints.<\/p>\n

\u201cPreviously, everyone paid the same fare regardless of where they got off. Now, it\u2019s distance-based, which is fair,\u201d he said, and highlighted issues where passengers exploit the system.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf someone taps in, then taps out before departure, they\u2019re refunded, but the company loses that fare. Some people even tap twice for others using the same card,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Drivers are trained to use \u2018deliver cards\u2019 that link the bus to the GPS system before departure.<\/p>\n

\u201cChanging routes is discouraged because when GPS disconnects, refund calculations stop. Drivers must return to the correct route so passengers can receive what they\u2019re owed,\u201d Hagenimana noted.<\/p>\n\r\n